“Industrial tourism is a threat to the national parks. But the chief victims of the system are the motorized tourists. They are being robbed and robbing themselves. So long as they are unwilling to crawl out of their cars they will not discover the treasures of the national parks and will never escape the stress and turmoil of the urban-suburban complexes which they had hoped, presumably, to leave behind for a while.”
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Analysis of Quote from Edward Abbey
In this quote, Edward Abbey argues that industrial tourism poses a threat to national parks, particularly by robbing motorized tourists of the true experience and treasures that these parks have to offer. This analysis explores the idea that true appreciation of nature and escape from urban life can only be achieved by exploring beyond the confines of one's car.
Abbey's criticism of industrial tourism highlights the negative impact that mass tourism can have on the natural environment and the visitor experience in national parks. By focusing on the motorized tourists who remain in their cars, Abbey suggests that these individuals are missing out on the true essence of the parks. He argues that only by stepping out of their cars and immersing themselves in nature can visitors truly appreciate the beauty and tranquility of these protected spaces. By remaining in their cars, these tourists are ultimately robbing themselves of a genuine connection with the natural world that the parks are meant to provide.
Furthermore, Abbey implies that by staying within the confines of their vehicles, these motorized tourists are unable to escape the stress and chaos of urban life that they had hoped to leave behind. He suggests that the true value of visiting national parks lies in the opportunity to disconnect from the hectic pace of city living and reconnect with the peace and serenity of nature. Only by embracing this opportunity can visitors truly appreciate the treasures that these parks have to offer.
The Importance of Disconnecting from Technology in Natural Settings
Edward Abbey's words about industrial tourism and the detrimental effects of relying on cars in national parks still hold true today. In a society that is constantly connected and reliant on technology, disconnecting and immersing oneself in nature is more important than ever. Let us explore how Abbey's message is relevant in today's world.
Critique of Industrial Tourism by Edward Abbey
In this quote, Edward Abbey criticizes industrial tourism and the impact it has on national parks. He highlights how motorized tourists are being robbed of the true experiences the parks have to offer by staying within the confines of their cars. Abbey argues that only by stepping out of their vehicles can tourists truly appreciate the natural beauty of the parks and escape the stresses of modern life.
Reflection Questions
Edward Abbey's quote sheds light on the detrimental impact of industrial tourism on national parks and the individuals who visit them. Reflect on the following questions to deepen your understanding of the issues raised:
- What are the potential consequences of industrial tourism on the conservation and preservation of national parks?
- How does the reliance on motorized transportation hinder visitors from fully experiencing and appreciating the natural beauty of the parks?
- In what ways can individuals break free from the cycle of stress and urban living by connecting with nature in national parks?
- How can we promote sustainable and mindful tourism practices to protect the environment and enhance the visitor experience in national parks?
- What personal experiences or connections do you have with national parks that have influenced your perspective on modern tourism trends?
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“To all accusations of excessive development the administrators can reply, as they will if pressed hard enough, that they are giving the public what it wants, that their primary duty is to serve the public not preserve the wilds. "Parks are for people" is the public relations slogan, which decoded means that the parks are for people-in-automobiles. Behind the slogan is the assumption that the majority of Americans, exactly like the managers of the tourist industry, expect and demand to see their national parks from the comfort, security and convenience of their automobiles.Is this assumption correct? Perhaps. Does that justify the continued and increasing erosion of the parks? It does not.”
“No more cars in national parks. Let the people walk. Or ride horses, bicycles, mules, wild pigs--anything--but keep the automobiles and the motorcycles and all their motorized relatives out. We have agreed not to drive our automobiles into cathedrals, concert halls, art museums, legislative assemblies, private bedrooms and the other sanctums of our culture; we should treat our national parks with the same deference, for they, too, are holy places. An increasingly pagan and hedonistic people (thank God!), we are learning finally that the forests and mountains and desert canyons are holier than our churches. Therefore let us behave accordingly.”
“Wilderness and motors are incompatible and the former can best be experienced, understood and enjoyed when the machines are left behind where they belong -- on the superhighways and in the parking lots, on the reservoirs and in the marinas.”
“it will be objected that a constantly increasing population makes resistance and conservation a hopeless battle. this is true. unless a way is found to stabilize the nation's population, the parks can not be saved. or anything else worth a damn. wilderness preservation, like a hundred other good causes, will be forgotten under the overwhelming pressure of a struggle for mere survival and sanity in a completely urbanized, completely industrialized, ever more crowded environment. for my own part i would rather take my chances in a thermonuclear war than live in such a world.”
“A man on foot, on horseback or on a bicycle will see more, feel more, enjoy more in one mile than the motorized tourists can in a hundred miles.”
“I despise my own nation most. Because I know it best. Because I still love it, suffering from Hope. For me, that's patrotism.”