War-related attractions: ‘the good, the bad, or the ugly’? War museums between peace, national identity and war porn

Abstract

ABSTRACT The link between a widespread culture of peace and tourism is today more relevant than ever. This work aims to produce sound considerations towards a more self-conscious conception of the roles available to war-related attractions in this sense, with a special focus on war museums. Arguments supporting their potential role as spaces of debate and promotion of peace are informed by sociological theories. Furthermore, two current obstacles to the effective establishment of this role are pointed out and analyzed through the use of examples of current practices. The first is the use of war-related attractions to address with nationalistic rhetoric the visitors, as part of a national pedagogy. The second is the commodification of war atrocities as a way to provide a memorable experience to the public. In conclusion, the political use of war-related attractions, as well as the recourse to the so-called war porn to make tourist experience gruesomely exciting, are considered incompatible with the role to contribute for the construction and promotion of a culture of peace. The article finally urges new reflections and the definition of a clear role for war-related attraction, particularly war museums: ‘the Good, the Bad, or the Ugly’?