You took time out of your European vacation to visit Auschwitz because it’s an important and tragic piece of our collective history. But how to you let everyone know you were there without it looking tasteless and shallow? Follow these tips to get the attention you deserve – without all the criticism:
Do: Shed a Tear
Nothing says, “I took this seriously” more than a strategically placed tear. If you’re an ugly crier or just an empty husk of a human, try carrying a water bottle to simulate the waterworks. Something between seasonal allergies and The Fault in our Stars should work well here.
Don’t: Make Duck Faces
Throw those amateur selfie staples to the curb because you’re in the big leagues now. Try a pensive stare into the distance with something iconic in the background—something that makes it look like your hand grabbed your phone and took a photo without you noticing.
Do: Get Locals to Join In
You have to get a pic in front of the cabinet of skulls at Cambodia’s Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum but there’s a risk it could seem insensitive. Just find a local native and look like you’re listening to him as he tells you his personal story. After all, you just came here to listen.
Don’t: Play with Perspective
We all know that pic of you “holding up” the Leaning Tower of Pisa is hysterical, but sites of atrocity are not the best places for perspective-bending tricks. Instead of placing the Guantanamo Bay Detention Camp sign between your two fingers, try something more solemn like a black-and-white photo of your feet.
Do: Remove your Sunglasses
This applies to most other selfies as well: The eyes are the windows to the soul, so show the world how beautiful and definitely not empty yours is!
Don’t: Role Play
You may think recreating the iconic “Napalm Girl” photo while visiting Vietnam is homage, but locals tend to disagree. It’s also frowned upon to run through the streets naked, so avoid the hassle and Photoshop something later from the comforts of your hotel room.
If we can take one lesson away from these crimes against humanity, it’s that haters are definitely gonna hate. So show some respect to history with these classy selfie techniques to let people know how much you think and feel.
