My
project deals with the relationship between Niagara Falls and the "tourist
traps" surrounding it. I believe that Niagara Falls is in effect, tamed
by the surrounding attractions. Because the falls are tamed, people do not gain
the thrill and excitement that they were perhaps expecting
when they come to visit. Needing to find another means of excitement, they
visit these tourist attractions. Thus, a cyclical pattern is established.
These tourist attractions generally tend to be frightening, morbid, or otherwise death or danger-related. For example, I visited the Criminal Hall of Fame and The Haunted House while visiting the Falls, which provided me with a [temporary] feeling of nervousness and excitement. Those who do not gain a thrill from the Falls may gain it from these attractions, which provide an "artificial" thrill. These attractions are perfectly safe, yet they imply danger in their advertisements. I have contrasted this false danger with attractions found at the Grand Canyon. All of the attractions I researched there directly involve the Grand Canyon, while nearly none of those at Niagara Falls did. For example, while Niagara Falls area provides haunted houses, wax museums, and a casino. Attractions at the Grand Canyon include kayaking, hiking, and trail rides. Interestingly, these activities at the Grand Canyon are potentially dangerous, yet they assure safety throughout their ads. However, while most of the Niagara Falls attractions provide almost no threat, they intimate danger, further adding to this false sense of danger.