Intrigued by the morbid and the macabre? Then you might be a dark tourist! It’s a growing trend that takes people beyond the usual tourist traps and into places steeped in history, violence, and tragedy. From Auschwitz to the Killing Fields, these destinations offer a glimpse into the darker side of human history. But what compels people to visit such sites? And how does dark tourism intersect with our everyday lives?
A History of Death and Disaster
The term “dark tourism” was coined in 1996 by Scottish academics J. John Lennon and Malcolm Foley, who explored the fascination with death and disaster. Professor James Treadwell, a leading expert in the field, defines dark tourism as “travel to, and engagement with settings that have a history of violence, death, disaster and atrocity.”
Dark tourism isn’t just about exploring the historical past, though. It can also encompass contemporary events. Take, for example, the story of a young British student who traveled to Kabul just before the Taliban took over in 2021. This kind of “off-the-map” dark tourism, where people seek out places of danger and conflict, is a growing phenomenon.
A Spectrum of Dark Tourism
The world of dark tourism spans a wide spectrum, from officially designated tourist attractions to more “unofficial” destinations. You can find museums dedicated to controversial historical events, walking tours that retrace the steps of notorious serial killers, and even trips to present-day dictatorships.
Netflix documentary “Dark Tourist” highlights this spectrum, featuring both “official” dark tourism spots like a museum dedicated to the crimes of Jeffrey Dahmer and more “unofficial” destinations like Turkmenistan, where visitors can witness a present-day dictatorship.
The Psychology of Dark Tourism
But why are people drawn to dark tourism? For some, it’s a way to connect with history and understand the past. For others, it’s a morbid fascination with human nature and its capacity for violence.
David Robinson, a self-proclaimed dark tourist, explains his passion for visiting places where significant historical events occurred. He says, “I just like to be at places where notable historical events have happened.” But he also admits to a fascination with “man’s capacity for inhumanity.”
This fascination with the dark and morbid isn’t unique to dark tourists. True crime podcasts and TV shows about murder and crime are wildly popular. Most people, whether they admit it or not, have a certain interest in the dark side of life.
The Dangers of Dark Tourism
However, there is a danger in dark tourism: the risk of sensationalizing, glorifying, and even sanitizing atrocities. The recent trend of taking selfies at Auschwitz and other historical sites of tragedy is a prime example.
David, a seasoned dark tourist, acknowledges this issue. He emphasizes the importance of treating dark tourism seriously and despises those who trivialize it. He recounts his visit to a historical site in the Czech Republic, where he found groups of people mimicking hanging for photo ops, highlighting the disrespectful and inappropriate behavior of some visitors.
This issue was also brought to light by YouTuber Logan Paul, who filmed a video in Aokighara, Japan, a notorious suicide site. The video, which included the body of a man who had recently taken his life, was widely condemned for its insensitivity and exploitation.
Dark Tourism in Our Everyday Lives
Despite our best intentions, we are all drawn to the morbid and macabre in some way. It’s woven into our pop culture and entertainment. Reality shows like “Survivor” and “Banged Up” capitalize on our fascination with bleak and dark situations. And even something as innocent as toys, like Lego, can be seen as “dark” when we consider their environmental impact and potential labor exploitation.
Professor Treadwell argues that consumerism has transformed mundane activities into passive forms of dark tourism. The London Monopoly Lifesize attraction, for example, takes a game based on capitalism and greed and makes it palatable for a wider audience. But its dark origins remain.
The point is, dark tourism isn’t just about visiting historical sites or traveling to dangerous places. It’s a pervasive phenomenon that’s ingrained in our daily lives, from the media we consume to the products we buy.
A Shadowy Reality
So, the next time you visit a museum, a historical landmark, or even just go shopping, take a moment to consider the “dark tourism” elements that may be present. You might be surprised by what you discover. Just remember, the world is full of fascinating and complex stories, some darker than others. It’s up to us to approach them with respect, sensitivity, and an open mind.
