Chapter 5 Polemic: Industrial Tourism and the National Parks Summary and Analysis

A polemic is an argument about some controversial matter. The controversy that Abbey addresses concerns the future of the national parks and monuments in the United States, and he takes the stance of preservation over development.

The author likes his job. It pays well and involves an undemanding workload. He works hardest on the weekends when the tourist traffic is highest, but thanks to the dirt road access and the relative anonymity of the Arches National Monument, he has no troubles handling the routine. Abbey has Tuesday and Wednesday off, during which time he rests, and on Wednesday evening he goes into Moab for supplies and socializing with the locals, many of whom are ranchers, miners and shepherds. He finds the people to be pleasant, and although...