Have you ever wondered what draws people to places associated with tragedy and death? This fascination, known as dark tourism, is far more prevalent than we might initially think.
A Glimpse into the World of Dark Tourism
David Robinson, a self-proclaimed dark tourist, embodies this captivating phenomenon. He travels not to sun-drenched beaches or bustling cities, but to locations steeped in historical tragedy – the Killing Fields in Cambodia, Auschwitz concentration camp, and the site of Nicolae Ceaușescu’s execution. While David seeks solace in these poignant destinations, he’s not alone. Many others, like him, find themselves drawn to these historical sites.
You don’t need to travel far to find evidence of dark tourism. London, a global metropolis, houses a wealth of historical sites, many linked to violence, death, and injustice. The flat where Jimi Hendrix died, the scene of the Dennis Nilsen murders, and the location of the Balcombe Street siege are just a few examples.
Beyond the Obvious: Delving Deeper into Dark Tourism
The concept of dark tourism extends beyond the realm of readily identifiable locations. Many iconic tourist attractions in London are undeniably dark by their very nature. The Tower of London, infamous for its role as a prison and execution site, attracts visitors intrigued by its macabre history. Jack the Ripper Walks, focusing on England’s most notorious serial killer, and the London Dungeon, recreating historical horrors for entertainment, further illustrate this point.
The Roots and Evolution of Dark Tourism
The term “dark tourism” was first coined in 1996 by Scottish academics J. John Lennon and Malcolm Foley. Their groundbreaking paper, “Attraction to Death and Disaster,” shed light on this captivating phenomenon. Professor James Treadwell, a prominent criminologist, defines dark tourism as “travel to, and engagement with settings that have a history of violence, death, disaster and atrocity.”
Navigating the Labyrinth: Official and Unofficial Dark Tourism
While the historical sites mentioned above fall under the umbrella of dark tourism, Professor Treadwell points out the evolution of this concept. He cites the example of a young British student who ventured to Kabul in 2021, just as the Taliban were taking control of the city. This exemplifies the growing trend of “unofficial” dark tourism, where individuals seek out danger zones and controversial situations.
David Farrier’s Netflix documentary, “Dark Tourist,” further highlights this divide. While the documentary showcases “official” dark tourist destinations like a museum dedicated to controversial history and a walking tour retracing the life of serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer, it also features off-the-map experiences, such as observing a present-day dictatorship in Turkmenistan and partaking in intense voodoo rituals in Benin.
The Psychology of Dark Tourism: Exploring the Appeal
Why are people drawn to dark tourism? David Robinson, for instance, attributes his fascination to his love of 20th-century history. He enjoys being present at locations where significant historical events unfolded, noting the “eerieness” of standing where history transpired, albeit decades later. However, David also acknowledges a deeper fascination with man’s capacity for inhumanity.
This fascination with the dark and morbid is not unique to dark tourism. True crime podcasts, murder mysteries, and crime dramas hold a strong appeal for many people, reflecting a universal interest in the darker aspects of human nature.
The Peril of Sensationalism: Ethical Considerations in Dark Tourism
While dark tourism can offer a profound and introspective experience, it’s not without its pitfalls. The sensationalization and glorification of atrocities are serious concerns. Instances of people taking selfies at places like Auschwitz and disrespecting historical sites have raised ethical dilemmas.
David Robinson highlights the importance of viewing dark tourism with seriousness and sensitivity. He recounts an experience in the Czech Republic where he encountered groups of people mockingly recreating hangings.
The infamous case of YouTuber Logan Paul further underscores the ethical complexities of dark tourism. His insensitive video, filmed in Aokighara, Japan, known as the “suicide forest,” sparked widespread criticism and exemplified the potential for exploitation and disrespect.
The Dark Side of Everyday Life: The Ubiquity of Dark Tourism
The concept of dark tourism is not confined to specific locations or events. Professor Treadwell suggests that dark tourism is woven into the fabric of everyday life, often in ways we don’t consciously recognize.
Reality shows like Survivor and Banged Up rely on the engagement of bleak and dark situations, blurring the lines between entertainment and a deeper exploration of human nature. The very act of consumerism, according to Professor Treadwell, can be interpreted as a form of passive dark tourism.
He points to London’s Monopoly Lifesize attraction, which takes a game rooted in capitalism and greed and repackages it for mass consumption. Likewise, even toys like Lego, when examined through a critical lens, reveal a complex and potentially dark origin story, considering the unsustainable materials, air pollution, and labor practices associated with their production.
The pervasiveness of dark tourism, therefore, extends beyond the obvious and the explicitly designated. It’s woven into the fabric of our society, reflected in the choices we make and the entertainment we consume.
Conclusion: Embracing the Darkness Within
While the concept of dark tourism may seem unconventional, it’s a captivating reflection of human nature. We are drawn to the darker aspects of history, the morbid, and the unknown, whether it’s through our entertainment choices, our travel destinations, or the products we purchase. It’s a testament to our fascination with the complexity and contradictions of the human experience.
Professor Treadwell’s insight that “making these connections makes us start to think of tourism connected to darkness in different ways” underscores the importance of engaging with this topic. By acknowledging the darker side of our collective history and our own fascination with it, we can cultivate a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us.
