The Impact Of Extended Discussions Tourism Essay

The Impact Of Extended Discussions Tourism Essay One of the reasons why it is so difficult to achieve sustainable tourism development in first place is that there is no set definition for it. In the early 1990s, there were more than seventy existing definitions of sustainable development (Holmberg and Sandbrook, 1992). Regardless of the wide academic attention the term received, there is no consensus over a set definition, policies or measures (Berno and Bricker, 2001). As Muller (1994:134) points out there are too many experts with too much advice on the one hand and too few agents with too few resources and too little time to act on the other. The subject matter has been researched by many academics and it has reached a point where too many theories have been put forward, and not so much action (Pearce, 1989). The subject of tourism development may be viewed as in two means: as a process or as a state. In both cases the focus is on the relationships between development and tourism, and what their impact on destinations is (Pearce , 1989). Butler (1993:29) argues that there is no set definition of what tourism development is and how it should be implemented, however the author points out the importance to take into consideration the relationship between tourism, other activities and processes, and the human and physical environments in which tourism is taking place. Sustainable development received a lot of attention over the last decades by private and public sectors, governments, non-governmental organisations and it has evolved over three decades from an environmental issue to a socio-political movement for beneficial social and economic change (Farrell and Twining-Ward, 2003:275). The fact that it was adopted by such a wide variety of organisations proves the ambiguity of the term. Its vagueness is demonstrated by the most widely used definition of sustainable tourism development, proposed by the World Commission on Environment and Development sustainable development is not a fixed state of harmony, but r ather a process of change in which the exploitation of resources, the direction of the investments, the orientation of technological development, and institutional change are made consistent with future as well as present needs (WCED, 1987:9). The complex correlation between environmental, social and economic development poses a global challenge on sustainability nowadays (Potter et al., 2004). Development and growth are often used as synonyms; however there is a significant difference in their meanings (Holden, 2008). Development is defined as the continuous and positive change in the economic, social, political and cultural dimensions of the human condition, guided by the principle of freedom of choice and the limited capacity of the environment to sustain such change. (Sharpley and Telfer, 2002: 27). Since the end of the Second World War, many development theories emerged, all of them encompassing different approaches to tourism development such as: modernisation theory (1950s-1960s); dependency theory (late 1960s); neo-classical counter revolution theory (1980s); and sustainable development theory (late 1980s). Development is often associated with developing countries; however it is a term that affected global development at all levels (Potter et al., 2004). At that time developing countries were expected to catch up with the West and enter modern age, so that developme nt was linked to modernisation, which was then related to westernisation. During this period of time one of the main paradigms of development emerged the theory of modernisation (Sharpley and Telfer, 2002). It is an optimistic thesis, which assumes that underdevelopment could be overcome through modernisation from the West to less developed countries and from urban areas to rural (Elliott, 2006). However, modernisation has both positive and negative impacts, and this was the case of tourism in Crete. Tourism development was concentrated on the demand side, attracting as many tourists as possible at that time, and resulted in environmental and cultural degradation (Andriotis, 2003). Adams (2001) argues that sustainable tourism development at present is still underpinned mainly within the industrialised North and West part of the world. It is also portrayed as a EuroAmerican paradigm and a Western construct (Cater, 2006:24). Due to the economic and industrial growth in the 1950s, many natural resources have been used in unsustainable ways, without any environmental concern (Elliott, 2006). These negative aspects have resulted in a call for sustainable development. Consequently, different theories were developed in order to try to establish set guidelines of how sustainable tourism should be developed (Sharpley and Telfer, 2002). In 1994, Muller has introduced the magic pentagon as a conceptual framework of sustainable tourism development. The pentagon consists of the following five angles: economic health; subjective well-being; unspoilt nature/protection of resources; healthy culture; optimum satisfaction of guest requirements. The idea of the framework is that in order to maintain sustainable tourism development these five angles must be balanced, enhancing the positive relationships between them. However, in reality numerous factors may perhaps make it quite difficult to balance all angles of the pent agon and achieve sustainable development (Muller, 1994). Mowforth and Munt (1998) also proposed a list of tools for achieving sustainable tourism and it includes the following factors: area protections, industry regulation, visitor management techniques, environmental impact assessment, carrying capacity calculations, consultation/participation techniques, codes of conduct, sustainability indicators. Many other frameworks were suggested over the years and despite the great progress of academic research in the subject field, there is still a debate on what practices should be embedded to encourage sustainable change (Elliott, 2006). The growing demand for international tourism over the last decades has raised a great concern of how tourism activities change the cultural and environmental assets of destinations. Many tourist areas began to receive negative destination image by unsatisfied tourists. This was the case with the Spanish coastal area of Costa del Sol, as environmental decay and poor image have combined with overcrowding and low safety and hygiene standards, together with the popularity of cheaper forms of accommodation and catering, to reduce the perceived attractiveness of the region (Barke and France, 1996: 302). In the end of the 1990s some tour operators, airlines and hotels for the first time took actions against their negative impact on the environment. This was as a result of eco-tourists boycotts against the unsustainable practices of tourism providers. For example businesses have been put at risk by tourists riot in the ski resort of Vail in Colorado, in 1999 (Holden, 2008). However, Sharpley (2009) argues that there is a lack of proof that sustainable principles are adopted in the business practices of tourism organisations, at present. He also emphasizes on the disparity between the concepts of tourism and sustainable development, arguing that the perception of sustainable tourism is anything other than a myth. A case study of the impact of international tourism on the economy in Turkey showed that despite the significant development of facilities along the coastline, development had many negative impacts on the rural regions of the country. Because of the large investments in the resorts, rural areas were left behind and disparities amongst regions and classes were encouraged (Tosun et al., 2003). Robinson (2004) is another author who doubts sustainable development because of its vagueness, green-washing and possible delusions from the real problems related to tourism activities. Mass tourism activities have been viewed as highly unsustainable and after great critici sms other forms of more sustainable tourism have emerged, such as ecotourism or responsible tourism. Nevertheless, the demand for responsible tourism seems to be lacking, with green holidays being low down on the list for tourists throughout the holiday purchasing process (Sharpley, 2009). Sustainable tourism is often regarded as ecotourism and their objectives are viewed as parallel, both embracing host community sense and conservation of natural, built and heritage beauty and resources. However, ecotourism in fact is a type of nature-based niche tourism, which is simply a mode of sustainable tourism (Wearing and Neil, 2009). Eco-labels of products and services are growing in numbers and greenwashing amongst tourism sectors is gaining popularity, however their environmental credentials are hard to measure (Dahl, 2010). This trend is adopted by many tourism suppliers, who seem to be implementing sustainable practices, whereas none of them have changed in reality. A case study of the ecotourism (dragon tourism) in Indonesia showed that this type of tourism was viewed as a sustainable alternative to the mass tourism, favouring local communities. In fact, after a small-scale survey was conducted in the area, results showed that local communities are lacking employment, an d distributional inequalities exist, favouring external suppliers (Walpole and Goodwin, 2000). Robinson (2004) labels the greenwashing used as a method to cover up for unsustainable tourism practices as hypocrisy. It is also seen as a method to place guilt on tourists and to sell eco holidays, which in fact may not be that green (Robbins, 2008). In that sense, the triple bottom line (TBL) has been introduced to measure organisations performance in social, economic and environmental terms and it is key to sustainable development (Elkington, 1998). The most comprehensive framework to measure these sustainable indicators was set by the UNWTO (2004). However, it is very hard to measure TBL as again there is no consensus on a measurement framework and different measures need to be applied depending whether it is used on organisations or at destination level. Marshall and Toffel (2005) identified that sustainability can be placed on a continuum, where at one end is the micro sustainabilit y and on the other is the macro sustainability. During the past decades sustainable tourism practices tend to be small-scale projects on local level, whereas in order to achieve sustainable development through tourism, they should be happening at large scale, globally (Stoddard et al., 2012). Mullers (1994) statement that sustainable tourism is difficult to achieve is relevant today. It is true that conceptually sustainable tourism development is ideal; however it is hard to implement. Therefore, the main task for tourism organisations and governments is to identify and agree upon common rules and codes of conducted. Sustainable tourism development is not simply an economic process, as suggested by the modernisation theory; it is however multidimensional process and should lead to good change (Chambers, 1997). In order for organisations to adopt the good change the following ethical values should be applied towards sustainable tourism development: self-sufficiency; self-determination; empowerment; and improvement of living standards. Sustainable practices should be adopted by all tourism organisations because earth resources are finite, therefore resources should not be consumed at faster pace that they renew, maintaining biological diversity of the planet. Equity between communities should be sustained, involving local people in development processes, following their customs and cultures. All these should be done through the adoption of long-term strategic planning. Main points are that in order to develop sustainable tourism, key economic and environmental costs should be considered. Economic growth should be achieved in more environmentally and socially sound manners, instead of earlier practices. Issues regarding environment should be considered at government levels, however involving individual consumer. And finally, the needs of present generations should be met in a way that does not compromise on the ability of future generations to do so.

Russia and Its Decision to Enter World War I Essay -- History, Geopoli

Did Russia’s diplomatic issues influence their decision in entering World War One? A. Plan of Investigation This investigation assesses how Russia’s Government and people influenced their country’s decision in entering World War One. On June 28, 1914, Archduke Franz Ferdinand and Sophie Ferdinand were assassinated by alleged Serbian Black Hand Terrorists. The assassination caused world turmoil. People and Countries saw Ferdinand’s death as an opportunity to invade and overcome new territories to claim as their own. Russia’s involvement was greatly influenced by the previous and occurring problems with the Czars, its people and its economic ties. Two sources used in this essay: The First World War, compiled by John Keegan and History of Russia: a Brilliant Chronicle of Russian History from its Ancient Beginning to Present Day by John Lawrence are then evaluated for their origins, purpose, values and limitations. B. Summary of Evidence Prior to World War One, Russia lost their naval port, Vladivostok, to the Japanese during the Russian Japanese war; putting a huge strain on the already struggling government. During this time, Nicholas II ruled as a Czar of Russia. During his reign, Russia’s rich prevailed greatly, while the poor starved and went to war. The rich believed â€Å"The people have the need for potatoes but not for the least of the constitution† they stood strong in the belief that the illiterate agriculturalists should have no say in their government, but also strongly considered that â€Å"Russia could not be ruled effectively unless the tsar took at least a part of the nation into partnership.† In 1904, the prices of basic good increased, while the real wages declined a little over twenty percent. Within the... ...wed that even though the Czar was in control, he needed the people in order to rule and to keep the Russian economy thriving. It proved he was just one very corrupt man. And furthermore, it set new laws protecting the people from the Czar himself. Without this, Nicholas may not have thought he needed to spread and show his people the power they possessed; Russia itself may not have entered World War One. Works Cited Keegan, John. The First World War. New York, Simon & Schuster, 1992. Lawrence, John. A History of Russia: A Brilliant Chronicles of Russian History from its Ancient Beginning to the Present Day. New York: Penguin Books, 1993. â€Å"The Ottoman Empire enters WWI on the side of the Central Powers 1914† thenagain.info (April 21,1997) Westwood, J.N. Endurance and Endeavor Russian History 1812-1986. New York: Oxford University Press, 1988. Russia and Its Decision to Enter World War I Essay -- History, Geopoli Did Russia’s diplomatic issues influence their decision in entering World War One? A. Plan of Investigation This investigation assesses how Russia’s Government and people influenced their country’s decision in entering World War One. On June 28, 1914, Archduke Franz Ferdinand and Sophie Ferdinand were assassinated by alleged Serbian Black Hand Terrorists. The assassination caused world turmoil. People and Countries saw Ferdinand’s death as an opportunity to invade and overcome new territories to claim as their own. Russia’s involvement was greatly influenced by the previous and occurring problems with the Czars, its people and its economic ties. Two sources used in this essay: The First World War, compiled by John Keegan and History of Russia: a Brilliant Chronicle of Russian History from its Ancient Beginning to Present Day by John Lawrence are then evaluated for their origins, purpose, values and limitations. B. Summary of Evidence Prior to World War One, Russia lost their naval port, Vladivostok, to the Japanese during the Russian Japanese war; putting a huge strain on the already struggling government. During this time, Nicholas II ruled as a Czar of Russia. During his reign, Russia’s rich prevailed greatly, while the poor starved and went to war. The rich believed â€Å"The people have the need for potatoes but not for the least of the constitution† they stood strong in the belief that the illiterate agriculturalists should have no say in their government, but also strongly considered that â€Å"Russia could not be ruled effectively unless the tsar took at least a part of the nation into partnership.† In 1904, the prices of basic good increased, while the real wages declined a little over twenty percent. Within the... ...wed that even though the Czar was in control, he needed the people in order to rule and to keep the Russian economy thriving. It proved he was just one very corrupt man. And furthermore, it set new laws protecting the people from the Czar himself. Without this, Nicholas may not have thought he needed to spread and show his people the power they possessed; Russia itself may not have entered World War One. Works Cited Keegan, John. The First World War. New York, Simon & Schuster, 1992. Lawrence, John. A History of Russia: A Brilliant Chronicles of Russian History from its Ancient Beginning to the Present Day. New York: Penguin Books, 1993. â€Å"The Ottoman Empire enters WWI on the side of the Central Powers 1914† thenagain.info (April 21,1997) Westwood, J.N. Endurance and Endeavor Russian History 1812-1986. New York: Oxford University Press, 1988.

South African Development Plan Essay -- Urban Development

South Africa is a country in the continent of Africa, located to the south tip as its name suggests. Colonized by the Dutch in 1994, South Africa is seperated into nine provinces and is bordered to the north by the countries: Namibia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe, to the east: Swaziland and Mozambique, while coined in the south east is the country Lesotho, completely surrounded by the territory of South Africa. South Africa is one of the most diverse places in the world, and has eleven nationally recognized languages, whereas most countries only have one (Rosmarin & Rissik, 2003). The black indigenous population makes up a majority of the country while also harboring other ethnic cultures such as: whites, Greeks, Germans, Italians, and Asians (Rosmarin & Rissik, 2003). South Africa has a mixed economy based on its agriculturally fertile lands, mineral resources and tourist attractions. Though there is political and economic stability, the country is still faced with drawbacks such as unemp loyment, poverty, and the AIDS pandemic (OECD, 2008). A development plan is vital for the economic development and growth of South Africa. In an attempt to create jobs and build a unified South Africa, the government should draw up informed policies, budgets, and influential programs to ensure that no citizen is excluded and thus benefit everybody in the country. Indeed, South Africa has the relevant economic and social resources imperative for the realization of all the demands of industrialization (Bond, 2002). Though seemingly prosperous, the social evils hidden in the country are normally impediments to the growth and success of the nation. Without doubt, much of the success of the country is basically a function of the unknown resources in the c... ...ing in South Africa. Such a plan will be instrumental for fostering unity in the region and may increase participation with other countries. Works Cited Rosmarin, I., & Rissik, D. (2003, January). South africa: Cultures of the world. (2 ed.). New York: Benchmark Books. Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. (2008, July). Economic assessment of south africa. Retrieved from http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/58/32/40959551.pdf Bond, P. (2002, August). Unsustainable south africa: Environment development and social protest. London: University of KwaZulu-Natal. African National Congress. (1994). The reconstruction and development programme. Johannesburg: Umanyano Publications. Abbi, A. (2005, June). Culture, education, and development in south africa: Historical and contemporary perspectives. Westport, CT: Greenwood Publishing Group, Inc.

Plant Imagery Throughout the Scarlet Letter

Honors American Lit. B The Scarlet Letter Pathway Paper – 694 wordsApril 23, 2013 Throughout The Scarlet Letter Nathaniel Hawthorne uses vegetation imagery in correlation with his ideas about sinful nature and god. When describing the prison in the very beginning of the novel, Hawthorne writes, â€Å"a grass-plot, much overgrown with†¦ such unsightly vegetation, which evidently found something congenial in the soil that had so early borne the black flower of civilized society, a prison† (45-46).Hawthorne uses the imagery of a black flower to depict the sinful nature of humans as it was inevitable that even in this new flourishing society the people there saw the need to build a prison. This vivid image also relates to the Puritan’s harsh view on sin in the community. Throughout the novel Hawthorne frequently criticizes the Puritan society, this being another example, â€Å"but the proprietor appeared already to have relinquished, as hopeless, the effort to perpetuate on this side of the Atlantic, in a hard soil and amid the close struggle for subsistence, the native English taste for ornamental gardening† (97).The description of the Governor’s ornamental garden shows the garden failing, as if the person caring for it had given up and realized that it was impossible to have the ornamental garden in Boston the way it was in England. This parallels Hawthorne’s beliefs about Puritan society in that their abstruse beliefs would not sustain in the new world they were creating, for god is depicted through nature demonstrating how Hawthorne feels god is looking down on the materialistic and frivolous ways of the Puritans.Later in the novel Chillingworth says, â€Å"wherefore not, since all the powers of nature call so earnestly for the confession of sin, that these black weeds have sprung up out of a buried heart, to make manifest an unspoken crime? † (119). Nature is being associated with god in this passage theref ore Hawthorne is saying that god calls for the confession of sin and goes on to say that god disapproves of a person that does not confess, thus the black weeds, mirroring sin, grow on the graves of those who cling to secrets.This idea is also repeated later in the novel, â€Å"and all this time, perchance, when poor Mr. Dimmesdale was thinking of his grave, he questioned with himself whether the grass would ever grow on it, because an accursed thing must there be buried! † (130). Sin is again depicted as lifelessness in this passage, for Dimmesdale has sinned, and not confessed; therefore he is concerned that god will reject him. Hawthorne clearly writes with a style of dark romanticism epitomized through his description of sin in the beginning of the novel as inexorable in every society.Hawthorne also reflects his religious views and those of his times period in the way he sees god and nature as one, similar to the ideas of Pantheism, a belief in the manifestation of god th rough nature. Hawthorne frequently links god to nature as seen when Hester calls to nature, as if calling to god, for forgiveness, â€Å"’Thou shalt forgive me! ’ cried Hester, flinging herself on the fallen leaves beside him† (175). While nature symbolizes sin, it also symbolizes the comforting and forgiving appearance of god.In relation to the bible, â€Å"†¦the yellow leaves will show no vestige of the white man’s tread† (178), the yellow leaves reference the scripture Isaiah 43:25, which reads, â€Å"I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more† displaying the tie between nature and god both covering and forgetting sins; also tying into Hawthorne’s religious perspective in his writing. Nathaniel Hawthorne articulates his views on sin and god through his use of vegetation imagery throughout the scarlet letter; he continually uses dead and â€Å"black† imagery to al lude to sin and secrets.His use of dead vegetation implies that he believes confession is the relief of the burden of sin and the necessary action to obtain god’s approval and forgiveness. Hawthorne also represents god’s forgiveness through plant imagery; connecting god’s washing away of sin to the forest and nature washing away of sin. Fundamentally Hawthorne uses vegetation to convey his ideas on divinity and human sinful nature in The Scarlet Letter.

Student Stress

Today's students are faced with many challenges, many additional pressures, and numerous stresses. High school creates a variety of difficulties and challenges for teens but on average their main stresses are schoolwork, personal problems and time consuming Jobs. Teens find themselves under far too much pressure. Being a teenager Is typically thought of as a fun and free time In life, but It's turning Into a stressful period in a person's life. Most teens set a goal of doing well in school to achieve their dream job or Just better themselves.Many classes feel short and quick, teachers buzz through topics and units faster than most can comprehend. Still, the teachers and parents expect you to be able to achieve high marks on tests and assignments. The work load is enormous. Every class you are expected to do an hour or two of homework every night and finding the time is close to impossible. Most programs at university expect a high 80 percent average. For some it comes easy, others, a great challenge. Expectations from universities and parents can add more stress on to your already trustful school life.I personally feel as If school has gotten a lot harder since our parents attended. Since they had a grade 13, an extra year to prepare and learn. This means that everything taught within five years Is now squeezed Into four. Learning at a quicker pace is a lot more difficult than having an extra year. High school impacts a student's life for the rest of their educational path. Along with many hours at school, most students have a part time Job to attend right after school. Work conflicts with school and the work load.I personally have a art time Job and after working 5-6 hours after school, homework is the last thing on my mind. Many teens get jobs to gain independence from their parents and stand on their own financially. However there is also the reality of funding post-secondary education. University tuitions are expensive and have been rising throughout the ye ars. Some the dream of university is all based around grades but the finances too. Saving up and working hard at school Is extremely stressful and hard to find a balance between school, work and a social life.Students need time to relax and moieties that's hard to find. I get extremely stressed whenever I have work and even the smallest amount of homework, so I can only imagine how it is for grade twelve working all the time with huge amounts of homework. Working as a teenager is stressful and adding homework on top of that can be unbelievable. Personal problems are a reality for almost everyone. But for teenagers it's harder to handle due to social media, bullying and parents. Social media has been a huge toll on many of my friends.The drama that surrounds social media can be tolling on a student's incineration. Privacy is a thing of a past with almost every personal problem now being slew on social media sights. This has happened to everyone at some point in high school, either be ing bullied on or off social media. Even If it's not In school, family stresses can dramatically Impact your day or your attentiveness In and out of school. High school is stressful from the start, but the stress accumulates as the years go important that students be able to recognize this stress and deal with it before it becomes overwhelming.

Education in Victorian Essay

Nowadays, people get educated easily although they are upper class, middle class or low class. Do people think why will they get educated easily? Is that a normally happen or some people made that happen? Education in Victorian Era was not normally. They don’t get educated like us, although the middle class people just get the basic education which mean the grammar and the English words. People get educated much easier during Victorian Era than before the Victorian Era in England. In Victor Era, education change becoming more important and easier to get educated. In the Victorian Era, the schools had many rules to say who can go to school and who cannot. People will not get education until they are upper class like noble. If the people who are rich, but they are not a noble, they can engage a teacher to teach their children in the house however those educations are the Basic English which is the English that understand the word (1 p. 20-22). Those children could not read a book because they just the word, those teachers do not know too. If the teachers know how, they will not be there and will not be a teacher because before the Victorian Era, if people get good education, they must get rich because not many people work for the bank or the government if they do not know good English. Before the Victorian Era, public school is not for everyone. Those public schools are the school for upper class because if people want to go to school there, they have to people a lot of money. There have some rules that is so unfair with the teacher which is public school cannot have any female teachers. The goal of the schools is train those boys to be a leader. People will try to give their children good education as much as possible if they can because they can promise that their children will get rich really easy. Because of the education system, the effect form this system made those people focus on boys. Most girls also cannot go to school because of that system. If they have a son, they will much happier than a girl because girl will not stay in the family for a long time. When the time is come, those girls have to marry with someone. Although those girls want to get a job as something like lawyer or doctor which jobs need to get a good education which mean they do not have a change to get one. However, there have some schools that just for poor family like church school, but those schools are not good and some schools not even teach how to read or word, they teach only that how to read the bible and teach what they think is useful. They also had the school called â€Å"Girls school† or â€Å"home school† (2 p. 23-27). In the school that is not public school will just teach the Basic English and the skill which made those children can live in life. The education system start change when Queen Victoria come and she find out that education is one of the most important to make the country to be stronger. She made some rule that made people can go to school and get good education. The rules which made by Queen Victoria that say every people who are under 14 have to go to school and they can decide that keep going to school or go to work when they are over 14(3 p. 104). Those schools are not the school like church school or â€Å"girl school†. The school that the rule means is the public school. People do not need to pay for school however people have to pay when they are over 14 years old. That rule is most important rule in the entire rule that Queen Victoria made for people. That rule also made people get good education without using too much money so made everyone can go to school although they are poor family or not upper class. Queen Victoria also made a rule that girl can go to school and women can be a teacher and they can have a job in public school (1 p. 78-83) The effect form those rule that Queen Victoria made, can make more people can go to school and get educated so that the empire will got stronger during Victorian Era. More people have be educated so that the power of the government will divide because not only upper class or noble can educated (3 p. 59) Although people cannot get educated before Victorian Era, but they can when Queen Victoria made those rule. People can easier to get education although they are not rich or noble. Because Queen Victoria made those change, the power of the government have to divide so that no noble have all the power and control the empire so that make the country stronger than ever before. At the end, Education changed becoming more important and easier to get educated because Queen Victoria find out education is important and she made those rule can change. Works Cited Avery, Gillian. Victorian People In life and In literature, New York: Holt, Rinehart and Winston, 1970. Print. Jones, Frances Hope, Public school Education in Victorian Era, the Classical Curriculum, and British Imperial Ethos. BA thesis. Wesleyan University, 2008. Print; Singler, Garelyn. Victorian Literature. Duluth: university of Minnesota, 2013. Print.

Rioting in American Society Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Rioting in American Society - Essay Example Hysteria on this level was a mass-ecstasy of panic, through which later psychologists interpreted that individuals shed their exhibitions and released repressed thought energy through violent activity in a type of trance – many mob participants were allegedly â€Å"seized† by some force they identify as coming from outside of themselves and overtaking them, causing the person to commit acts of violence or lust that would not ordinarily be even within the threshold of their annual conscious awareness. This is similar in experience and description as possessions reported by ethnographers and anthropologists with ritualistic religions. The psychology of crowds and mass persuasion has steadily advanced since the time of Mackay, yet there are still no explanations for these aspects of human experience from psychology that really explain with any certainty what is occurring in the dynamics of the group mind, or if a group mind even exists. If it does exist, the concept should shatter our commonly held assumptions about individuality and the autonomy of being. Yet if it is not something we can consciously experience, or that happens on cue, it cannot be replicated or tested. Even wildfires, tornados, and hurricanes have a set of evolving principals describing their behavior that are accepted as scientifically valid. Crowd dynamics, as a science, and group psychology can combine to collect evidence on riot situations when they occur in modern times and research historical records of riots to see if they can find patterns and rules of behavior in chaos. Thus a question arises as to whether or not a riot can be organized, for if it is organized in advance it would simply be an attack on a location and not an eruption of primal chaos and the group mind. We need then to discover if there is a valid method of judging the difference between these two situations. From this we can posit the first distinguishing characteristic of