Dark Tourism
Details
Inspired by my recent travels to Central and Eastern Europe, I want to explore the concept of DARK TOURISM.
Please listen to either or both of the following podcasts.
- Dark tourism, selfies and moral outrage (29mins)
Since the days of gladiator battles and public hangings, dark tourism — our attraction to places linked to death and despair — has been a part of human behaviour.
But there's something in the 21st century that's causing debate… Selfies.
Digital media isn't all bad though. It's also creating opportunities for authentic storytelling.
Today, we examine what dark tourism is, if it's ethical, and when it is (and isn't) appropriate to snap a selfie.
- The Reality of Dark Tourism (42mins)
In this episode, dark tourism expert Dr Philip Stone joins Andrew and Josh to understand the motivations for dark tourism and why people visit disaster sites. Philip explains the history behind dark tourism and examples from around the world. He also shares the challenges of balancing education with sensitivity when memorialising tragic events.
Dr Philip Stone is the Executive Director of the Institute for Dark Tourism Research at the University of Central Lancashire in the UK and has a PhD in Thanatology which involves researching society’s reactions to and perceptions of mortality. He has written several books and published extensively about Dark Tourism and speaks regularly at conferences on the topic, in addition to teaching undergraduate and postgraduate courses in tourism, sociology and management at the University.
NOTE: This podcast is longer than some of the ones I’ve shared before but stay with it because it is A VERY informative one.