The world is full of captivating destinations, from serene beaches to bustling cities. But what about the places that hold a different kind of allure, the locations steeped in history’s darker chapters? These are the spots that intrigue dark tourists, individuals who seek out places associated with tragedy, death, and violence.
David Robinson, a 58-year-old IT director from Surrey, is one such individual. He finds himself drawn to locations like the Killing Fields of Cambodia, Auschwitz, and the site of dictator Nicolae Ceaușescu’s execution in Bucharest. His passion for 20th-century history leads him to explore these somber destinations, fascinated by the historical events that unfolded within their walls.
Dark Tourism: More Common Than You Think
While some might consider David’s interests peculiar, dark tourism is more prevalent than many realize. In fact, some of London’s most celebrated tourist attractions are inherently connected to the city’s dark past. The Tower of London, with its history as a prison and execution site, is a prime example. And who hasn’t heard of the Jack the Ripper Walks, captivating tourists with tales of the notorious serial killer? Even the London Dungeon, while offering an entertaining perspective on history, delves into gruesome and morbid events for our amusement.
The Psychology of Dark Tourism
The concept of dark tourism might initially seem far removed from everyday life, but it’s a complex and fascinating phenomenon. It delves into the human psyche, exploring our fascination with the darker aspects of history and human nature.
The term itself was coined in 1996 by Scottish academics J. John Lennon and Malcolm Foley, in a paper aptly titled “Attraction to Death and Disaster.” Professor James Treadwell, a criminologist at Staffordshire University, defines dark tourism as “travel to, and engagement with settings that have a history of violence, death, disaster and atrocity.” However, this definition extends beyond historical sites, encompassing more contemporary locations like the Taliban takeover of Kabul in 2021, which attracted a surge of travelers eager to witness the unfolding events.
The Spectrum of Dark Tourism
The documentary “Dark Tourist” by filmmaker David Farrier highlights the diverse nature of this niche travel style. He showcases both “official” dark tourism destinations, such as a Gloucestershire museum dedicated to controversial history and a walking tour of serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer’s life in Milwaukee, and “unofficial” locations, like Turkmenistan’s contemporary dictatorship and intense voodoo rituals in Benin. This highlights the broad spectrum of dark tourism, encompassing historical sites, contemporary events, and even the often-hidden corners of a region.
Unveiling Our Fascination with Darkness
The allure of dark tourism stems from a complex blend of factors, and David’s fascination with 20th-century history is just one example. People are drawn to these locations for various reasons, such as an interest in history, a morbid curiosity about human nature, or a desire to confront uncomfortable truths.
The popularity of true crime podcasts, murder mystery shows, and even reality shows like “Survivor” or “Banged Up” reveals our fascination with the dark and the morbid.
However, Professor Treadwell emphasizes the importance of approaching dark tourism with sensitivity. He acknowledges the potential for sensationalization, glorification, and even sanitization of atrocities, highlighting the disrespectful behavior witnessed at sites like Auschwitz, where some visitors have been caught taking selfies or posing inappropriately. This underscores the need to approach these destinations with respect for the victims and the gravity of the events that transpired.
Dark Tourism: A Reflection of Ourselves
Ultimately, dark tourism reflects our own complex relationship with the darker aspects of history and human nature. It compels us to confront the uncomfortable truths about our past and present, and to consider the consequences of our actions.
While it may be unsettling to acknowledge, we all have a connection to dark tourism, even if it’s through seemingly innocuous activities. The shadow of the British Empire lingers over London, a city built on a foundation of oppression, atrocity, and slavery. Even our everyday experiences, like enjoying a meal at a restaurant or visiting a museum, are likely intertwined with our nation’s dark history.
Dark Tourism: A Universal Experience
Professor Treadwell argues that consumerism itself can be seen as a form of dark tourism. From the Monopoly Lifesize attraction, which glamorizes capitalism and greed, to the plastic toys that contribute to environmental damage and labor exploitation, the world around us is replete with examples of darkness, even when it appears innocuous. This begs us to question everything we consume, to understand the true cost of our choices.
Dark tourism may seem like an unusual niche, but its reach extends far beyond the typical tourist destinations. It encourages us to confront our own fascination with the darker aspects of human nature, to acknowledge the complexities of history, and to understand the interconnectedness of our actions and their impact on the world. As Professor Treadwell aptly states, “Making these connections makes us start to think of tourism connected to darkness in different ways.” And once you begin to look, you’ll find it everywhere.
