You have probably heard about those badass journalists who are risking their lives to make some exclusive content by going to dangerous war zones around the world. This is impressive as it is. But did you know that there are plenty of tourists on our planet who are curious enough to do the same? Going to places with ongoing or post-going war or locations where people suffered and died is the new level of having an exciting adventure during your travel.
How it all began
“Then, there was the American Civil War where elite was having a picnic on the hill, spectating the battle of Bull Run with a warm summer breeze in their hair – perfect season for outdoor entertainment.”
It started in the 17th century when an artist named Van de Velde went to the sea in a small boat only to watch the battle between the Dutch and the English and to make some artsy sketches of it. You had to be able to see the beauty in the brutal cruelty living at that time, I suppose.
After some time, a group of tourists guided by Mark Twain himself went to see the ruined city of Sevastopol after the Crimean War in the 19th century. (Yes, the Crimea had troubles back in the day as well).
Then, there was the American Civil War where elite was having a picnic on the hill, spectating the battle of Bull Run with a warm summer breeze in their hair – perfect season for outdoor entertainment.
How does this look like today
“The special watching spot for tourists was made on the Israel – Syria border, on the side of Israel territory. Here the spectators felt completely safe, satisfying their need for “bread and circuses” ”
Our world has become super global that anyone could travel basically anywhere, it’s just a matter of money. In some cases, not even that – only curiosity and courage may take you to the craziest places.
So, when you get bored from all the picture-perfect white sandy beaches and holy sights of the old towns in the cities which all start to look alike, you start to think of another level of the adventure you want to reach. That’s where dark tourism comes in. The idea of experiencing some real action and danger you saw on TV becomes exciting. Especially when you don’t have to be involved in the dangerous stuff, you can only watch it from the safe spot.
Israel played the cards super well back in 2012, when in the neighboring country Syria missiles were dropping and bullets were echoing of the devastating civil war. The special watching spot for tourists was made on the Israel – Syria border, on the side of Israel territory. Here the spectators felt completely safe, satisfying their need for “bread and circuses” while being in the center of events that can be seen on the media every day.
The brave and noisy tourists also travel on their own to countries like Syria, Iraq or North Korea, risking their safety, in exchange for experiencing the thrill of picking the forbidden fruit.
Appropriate research made
“In 2012 the Institute for Dark Tourism Research was launched at the University of Central Lancashire (UK), which estimated that dark tourism was worth $263 billion in 2013. ”
If you’re still amazed by the decisions of human beings to bring their lives to danger voluntarily, you will be amazed by the magnitude of it. In 2012 the Institute for Dark Tourism Research was launched at the University of Central Lancashire (UK), which estimated that dark tourism was worth $263 billion in 2013. Moreover, they make the research why people are drawn to places where the cruelty of their kind was executed in the past – think Auschwitz, Ground Zero, or Chernobyl. It seems like we enjoy putting ourselves into some anxious situations and feeling the relief that it was not us who had to suffer.
The point of view
“Therefore, as tempting and exciting as war or dark tourism sounds, we all should think it through first and ask yourself whether we are smart enough not to get into trouble and respectful enough to appreciate the place we are traveling to. ”
As everything in the world, this particular phenomenon is complicated and controversial. The extreme sightseeing could be eye-opening and educational, deepening our capacity for empathy and compassion. On the other hand, there are plenty of our fellow humans smiling silly and making selfies in previous genocide, terrorism, or nuclear disaster locations. The places of human suffering and death. Not to mention the cases where the thrill seekers got arrested in the total dictatorship countries or became hostages by the terrorist groups. Only to become a headache of their government to solve their liberation riddle.
Therefore, as tempting and exciting as war or dark tourism sounds, we all should think it through first and ask yourself whether we are smart enough not to get into trouble and respectful enough to appreciate the place we are traveling to. Lastly, don’t forget to make a whole lot of research. Always.
