An unusual travel video featuring Angkor Wat, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Cambodia, has sparked controversy. The video has raised concerns about how cultural landmarks are treated in modern media.
Angkor Wat, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the world’s largest temple complex, is famous for its rich cultural and historical importance. But in the viral video, a woman is seen running around the ancient ruins, recreating a scene straight out of the 2011 hit game Temple Run. In the game, players race through ancient ruins, dodging obstacles and monsters, with a backdrop that often resembles Angkor Wat. Naturally, this caught a lot of attention online.
Alison Carter, an archaeology professor at the University of Oregon, criticized the video, pointing out that the behavior shown disregards the fact that Angkor Wat is a cultural heritage site. She further emphasized that inappropriate actions in a church or mosque should likewise be avoided at Angkor Wat.
While many have expressed concerns, the video also received praise from some Cambodians, who were pleased with the increased attention to their heritage. Instead of widespread backlash, many expressed gratitude, saying, “Thank you for promoting Cambodia’s beautiful temples through this new trend.”
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