Holocaust Heritage Digilantism: Community Reactions to Holocaust Selfies on Instagram

Wight, Craig

Abstract

Discursive, netographic and visual methods have been applied in the past to critique self-images, providing insight into the behaviours of tourists. However, such studies have ignored reactions to self-image posts on social media, and particularly to those that are captured within sites of atrocity. Based on an analysis of Instagram, and drawing on Scheurich’s grid of social regularities, this article critiques the practice of digilantism, coding the identity variables that shape punitive attitudes towards perceived morally transgressive behaviour at Holocaust tourism sites. We propose that the presence and richness of visitor interpretation shapes the extent to which self-images are consciously organised, and where respectful consumption is deemed ‘important’, behavioural expectations should be communicated to visitors. We suggest there is a need for greater recognition that visitor behaviours are challenging to enforce, particularly in the backdrop of a public culture that embraces self-images, and the practice of sharing on social media.

Citation

Wight, C. (2024, June). Holocaust Heritage Digilantism: Community Reactions to Holocaust Selfies on Instagram. Presented at Ninth International Conference on Tourism & Leisure Studies, Liverpool, UK

• Presentation Conference Type: Conference Abstract
• Conference Name: Ninth International Conference on Tourism & Leisure Studies
• Start Date: Jun 19, 2024
• End Date: Jun 21, 2024
• Online Publication Date: Sep 16, 2024
• Publication Date: 2024
• Deposit Date: Jan 9, 2025
• Publisher: Common Ground Research Networks
• Peer Reviewed: Not Peer Reviewed
• Book Title: Ninth International Conference on Tourism & Leisure Studies Conference Proceedings
• ISBN: 9781963049596