I found David E.
Nye's The American Sublime to be quite interesting. What interested me
the most was Nye's stance on tourists and the affect they have on nature and
the sublime. Philosophers believe that the sublime is “an emotion enjoyed in
solitude,” yet in America nature and the sublime is usually enjoyed in large
crowds, such as in national parks like Yosemite and Yellowstone. They believe
that crowds and tourists spoil the sublime because they focus too much on taking
photographs than the actual beauty and nature. Nye, however, believes the
opposite. He believes that crowds enhance the sublime of the nature because
they “confirm the importance” of an object. I personally agree with Nye. I have
been to both Yosemite and Yellowstone National Park. I have always been in
absolute awe at the incredible and gorgeous sights at both parks. I have also
seen tourists and crowds in the same awe as I was. Therefore, I do not believe
that the sublime can only be enjoyed in solitude.
I believe Nye's discussion about the presence of crowd's is true too. Because many travelers visit natural features, it does not necessarily take away the beauty and importance of the natural landscape. Even though people will not have the chance to experience sublime in solitude or quietness, they can still cherish the beauty of the natural feature.But then again experience depends on the person because everyone has their own preferences. Since some of the physical and natural features developed as an important aspect of the American culture, it is natural for America to show their nationalism and introduce facilities to attract tourists. As Nye says, "Americans turned to the landscape as a source of national character" (Nye 24).
ReplyDeleteI agree that crowds bring more significance to the place or object of sublimity. Obviously tourists or crowds of people travel and explore these sublime places because there is importance to these destinations. Well-known places become popular because more people go there and then tell their friends, blog, or write about these amazing places. Thus, other people want to go there as well.
ReplyDeleteI also think that the people and number or people that go to these places also make them more important. For instance, Nye mentions how George Washington's name is carved onto the Natural Bridge (26). Personally, whenever I visit a "tourist attraction", I find it so intriguing to think that major historical events and/or people have stood in the exact place as me. Plus, the fact that these places have stayed intact through years and years of visitors is phenomenal.
I feel that although the sublimity of these landscapes can be enjoyed within a crowd as Nye states, a person's true feelings towards these sites can only be known in their own solitude. I believe that the overwhelming feeling of awe that is felt within a crowd may also be somehow suggested to people skeptical of the landscape's wonder. :)
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