Question: What do Auschwitz, Cambodia's killing fields, and Ground Zero have in common?
Besides THAT.
Answer: They are all major tourist destinations. That's right. Traumatized countries and battle-scarred regions can now turn their psychic wounds into cold, hard, tourist cash.
The phenomenon is known as "thanatourism," from the Greek 'thanatos': "really really creepy." You know you're in questionable territory when your vacation plans sound like a "Doctor Who" plot device.
Boosters claim that such excursions promote solemn reflection and moral uplift--those who will not learn from history being doomed to repeat it, and all. But is such learning enhanced or diminished by its potential commemoration with a gift-shop souvenir? Will we soon see toddlers staggering around with "Mommy went to Dachau and all I got was this verdammt T-shirt" emblazoned across their chests? Will people soon be able to get their names etched into one of thousands of spare skulls scattered around Choeung Ek? Will the Johnny Rockets at the South Street Seaport offer a "9/11 Jalapeno Chili Dog"? (Come to think of it, that would make a helluva "Man vs. Food" episode.)
"Staycationers," too, can indulge in thanatourism. Here in the Bay Area we have Alcatraz. Or perhaps you'd like to visit Charles Manson on San Quentin's death row? Considering the fact that more people have died on planet earth than are currently living, one could likely be a thanatourist in one's own home!
Makes us want to reconsider our desire to be cremated. After all, after we die, we imagine that pilgrimages to Solipsist Headquarters will become a popular element of some future Grand Tour. Make sure to stop at the gift shop on your way out.
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