Consumerism and Theme Parks: Process Paper
When we were told the topic of National History Day was “leadership and legacy”, we immediately knew we wanted to focus on one of the biggest legacies in America: consumerism. The team thought about consumerist events and thought about Disney. Then we expanded our thinking to theme parks in general and their legacy on America and American consumerism. Upon doing research, we were drawn to other parks and their recent controversies, including Seaworld. In doing research, we also discovered many growing articles arguing against theme parks and their negative effects on society, environment, and economy.
The research used for the project consisted of a mixture of websites, encyclopedias, books, and primary sources. When we first decided on our topic, we used encyclopedias to do some background research and get a general sense of the events that had taken place from the 1950s to today regarding theme parks. Once we created a thesis statement, each member of the team did some more in depth research. We went to the local library and find books on Disney and Seaworld. We read a book about Disney and its negative effects and also read another on Seaworld in the 90s. The books provided a greater insight into the depth of theme parks in American culture. Then we found several websites about the legacy of Disney and other theme parks. Then, we searched for a variety primary sources. The research allowed us to have a deeper understanding of the topic and project.
After doing research we decided to create a website to convey our argument because the internet is a growing global system of learning and education. The website is effective because it displays the information in a neat, organized way. Within each page the group provided in depth information on the background and its effects of theme parks. The platform allows for an aesthetically pleasing appearance. With the project including many facts and visuals, it can be published to the internet and can be present the findings in a global way.
The topic of theme parks and consumerism relates to the overarching theme ‘Legacy’ due to its effects on the American society. Theme parks have changed the outcome of American society and have created a deeply ingrained culture within the youth of America. The more one spends on a trip to a theme park, the “better” their experience will be, according to some people. However, this consumerist aspect is taking over. In present day, theme parks are increasingly overrun with the commercial and business aspects of consumerism.
When we were told the topic of National History Day was “leadership and legacy”, we immediately knew we wanted to focus on one of the biggest legacies in America: consumerism. The team thought about consumerist events and thought about Disney. Then we expanded our thinking to theme parks in general and their legacy on America and American consumerism. Upon doing research, we were drawn to other parks and their recent controversies, including Seaworld. In doing research, we also discovered many growing articles arguing against theme parks and their negative effects on society, environment, and economy.
The research used for the project consisted of a mixture of websites, encyclopedias, books, and primary sources. When we first decided on our topic, we used encyclopedias to do some background research and get a general sense of the events that had taken place from the 1950s to today regarding theme parks. Once we created a thesis statement, each member of the team did some more in depth research. We went to the local library and find books on Disney and Seaworld. We read a book about Disney and its negative effects and also read another on Seaworld in the 90s. The books provided a greater insight into the depth of theme parks in American culture. Then we found several websites about the legacy of Disney and other theme parks. Then, we searched for a variety primary sources. The research allowed us to have a deeper understanding of the topic and project.
After doing research we decided to create a website to convey our argument because the internet is a growing global system of learning and education. The website is effective because it displays the information in a neat, organized way. Within each page the group provided in depth information on the background and its effects of theme parks. The platform allows for an aesthetically pleasing appearance. With the project including many facts and visuals, it can be published to the internet and can be present the findings in a global way.
The topic of theme parks and consumerism relates to the overarching theme ‘Legacy’ due to its effects on the American society. Theme parks have changed the outcome of American society and have created a deeply ingrained culture within the youth of America. The more one spends on a trip to a theme park, the “better” their experience will be, according to some people. However, this consumerist aspect is taking over. In present day, theme parks are increasingly overrun with the commercial and business aspects of consumerism.