Discussion

Helpful phrases

The last part of your assignment asks you to discuss whether dark tourism is educating or entertaining. You should base your discussion on one of the two texts and use some of the following phrases: yet, on the other hand, despite, whereas, even though, on the one hand, consequently, for example. We will start by explaining the phrases and providing you with you some examples of usage.

‘Yet’ is a conjunction used to emphasise contrast: Isabelle Cossart decided to organise dark tours because customers demanded it, yet the media judged her actions as unethical.

‘On the one hand’ and ‘On the other hand’ are phrases used to introduce different perspectives or aspects of the same issue: On the one hand, dark tourism can help educate people about the importance of tragic events. On the other hand, dark tourism can also be exploited as a form of entertainment.

‘Despite’ is used to show contrast: Despite being initially shocked by dark tourism, Cossart realised that this was the only way for her business to survive.

‘Whereas’ is a conjunction that helps introduce comparisons: Whereas Cossart promoted dark tourism to help her employees, major companies used it to increase their revenues.

‘Even though’ is a phrase used to create contrast between the phrases it connects: Even though people enjoy dark tourism at slavery sites, they frown upon dark tourism at the sites of more recent events such as touring Louisiana after Hurricane Katrina.

‘Consequently’ is an adverb that helps introduce conclusions or results: There is a thin line between education and entertainment when it comes to dark tourism. Consequently, it is important for organizers of dark tourism to pay attention to how they promote a site with a difficult history.

‘For example’ is a phrase that helps introduce examples to support arguments: Dark tourism is becoming increasingly popular. For example, people can go on organised tours to places like Alcatraz, World War II battlefields, Chernobyl, or former prisons in Latvia. 

Dark tourism can be educating

Both texts in your assignment include arguments that support the idea that dark tourism can be educating.

For example, Text I, “What is Dark Tourism?”, suggests that dark tourism satisfies curiosity about important historical events:

Neil: So these are not your typical sightseeing trips but a visit to places that make you curious because of their significance, their importance in history?
Rob: Exactly. (ll. 10-12)

Through several examples of places where dark tourism is practised, Text I shows that most of these sites are connect...