Whee! It's A Slavery Theme Park!

Michael Jackson's brother, Marlon, is planning on turning a former slave port into a luxury hotel, Jackson family museum and memorial. The grounds will also feature a golf course, concert halls and casinos. The purported impetus behind the $3 billion+ investment is creating a place where people can trace their roots, as well as honor the millions who lost their lives to horrific abuse. The plan is being met with some opposition. Says Nigerian historian Toyin Falola, "Moneymaking and historical memories are allies in the extension of capitalism. You cry with one eye and wipe it off with a cold beer, leaving the other eye open for gambling." It is, of course, important to honor history - but I will say this attempt sounds somewhat misguided in it's goal of mixing such a sobering topic with theme park elements. I didn't feel like partying after my visit to the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam - I'm just sayin'...