Answers To Abbey

1. What is a Polemic? Why does Abbey use this term in the title of this article?

At this beginning of this reading I wasn’t sure what polemic meant. I wanted to wait tell after I read the article to see if I could find out through the writing. After reading the article and then looking up the definition it made perfect sense. Based on the definition which states that polemic is a controversial argument. Abbey nailed that one right on the head when he titled this article. Abbey’s argument is against those that are choosing to change National Parks from the beauty that they truly are to the industrial tourism attraction. For example, Abbey says, “Nevertheless the Park Service had drawn up the usual Master Plan calling for modern paved highways to most of the places named and some not named” (p. 3, 1968). From this quote, you can see that Abbey despises that the Park Service continually ruins national monuments by putting in paved roads. To allow tourist that opportunity to stay in their car rather than go out and truly explore what these parks have to offer. Bases on this information I feel that Abbey picked a perfect title.

2. How does Abbey feel about his job at Arches? Why does he feel this way? What is he afraid may happen to the Arches area and how does he feel about
Abbey talks about “wilderness and motors are incompatible and that the former can best be experienced, understood, and enjoyed when the machines are left behind where they belong.” (p. 5, 1968). Another topic about “the road” that he discuses is how they always seem to find money to put the roads in. For example, Abbey writes, “Old foot trails may he neglected, back-country ranger stations left unmanned, and interpretive and protective services inadequately staffed, but the administrators know from long experience that millions for asphalt can always be found.” (p. 6,