Why do we wish for catastrophe?

[coriolis]

I have to admit that at times I was secretly hoping for Gustav to strengthen and I'd have to correct myself and say, "no that's wrong." You could tell from some of the posts that some people seemed to be cheering him on.

There was something about the tv footage showing the waves lapping over the levees that was exciting. There is just a little part of you that wants to see them go, letting in a huge, destructive tide. It's something morbid. It's similar to the interest in watching video of car wrecks, plane crashes, and mayhem in general.

I don't have any conclusions, but I'm wondering about it.

[Miss Mary]

I'll tell why. We are a generation or (several generations) of fiction. Movies, TV shows, books.........you watch a story unfold like Gustav and it feels like a disaster movie.

Then you realize it's not fiction. But sadly, reality.

That's when you want to turn off the TV but you are riveted to it, praying the whole time.

Anyway, that's my take on why we get caught up in the hype or forecasting of these storms.

[O Town]

Pretty good analysis Mary.
Im not sure why either, but I think deep down we all feel that in one way or another.
So I have to agree with you Ed, I felt the same feelings watching this whole Gustav thing unfold, it was like the devil vs. angel sitting on either of your shoulders whispering in your ears.
God knows I wouldn't wish a horrible event on anybody, but watching it all unfold can be really exciting.

[Category 5]

Humans are naturally drawn to such awesome displays of power.

However, we must think of those who's lives that puts in peril. Save our appetite for destruction for the movies.

[azskyman]

Good question. You have to take into account that almost all of us who visit here are people who appreciate the sky and all that it has to offer...good AND bad.

I traveled around the country for 14 years and stood before groups of the hard core weather fanatics to make introductions of our guest speakers and outline our program for the two or three days just ahead.

People came to those meetings because we had guests who showed video of tornadoes, guests who talked about the extremes of weather, and speakers who shared personal chase experiences.

Sure, we had the high profile guests like Fred Ostby, then director of the severe storms forecast center or Rich Johnson from The Weather Channel. We had state climatologists to talk about changing weather. We had Joe Friday who was then head of the National Weather Service and David Ludlum who brought us decades of insight into weather extremes.

We visited the home of the worlds fastest wind speed atop Mt Washington, NH, and the National Center for Atmospheric Research in Boulder, Colorado. We toured the National Climate Data Center in Asheville, NC. And much much more.

What attracted people from all over the country to those meetings was the fascination with weather extremes. Highs and lows, hurricanes and tornadoes. Flooding and lightning.

When the formal meetings were over in the day, the group would break up and retreat to a restaurant, a bar, or someone's room where conversation would be about the events of the day and, you guessed it, weather and its extremes.

Those of us who visit S2k are here because we are fascinated by weather and its extremes. Having storms lined up in the Atlantic and marching our way gets the adrenalin moving. We feel a combination of curiosity, concern, fear, excitement, and worry. But we hurry back to read the latest tropical updates because we want to know more, learn more, and perhaps, just perhaps, witness that power of nature at its worst.

We don't wish harm on anyone. We have seen the devastating results of storms like Andrew and Katrina. But there is a part of us that wants to immerse ourselves in those events if and when they happen.

It's a contradiction in our lives that seems almost shameful at times. On the other hand, there is not one of us here who wouldn't be the first in line to help out when such a disaster occurs near us.

We are blessed with a yearning to learn more and understand more about weather and the sky around us. Part of that is to see and witness more.

Out of all that we see and learn comes a better understanding and even a sense of accomplishment, even from a distance.

We are a lucky bunch because we see and respect the sky and its power. Many people go through their lives without ever seeing it like we do.

[coriolis]

Somehow I thought you'd see this, Steve. I appreciate the input. I suppose that maturity and the ability to be circumspect about these things helps too. Someone did suggest that the people who aren't on the receiving end of nature's wrath are the ones who want to see it vicariously on the media. And we know that the media is all to willing to oblige, because it sells soap, as the saying goes. Anway, I concur that we are awed by the forces of nature and need to have almost a reverent attitude towards them. It probably says something about human nature that we like the spectacles. It goes all the way back to the gladiators.

[Cookiely]

For me its all about the storm. I love the feel of the wind, rain, movement of the trees. It does touch something primal inside of me. When I see the pictures of the flooding in the islands, I feel like crying. I pray for those in the path of Ike tonight. I really limit the amount of time watching the destructive power of the storm on TV. I would be glued to the set but only if I were in the cone.

[andrewsmith1]

I think it is part of human nature to be intrigued with the power of mother nature. I have been through fires, floods, tornados, and one hurricane in my life. While I may feel scared, I am also in awe of the powers of mother nature. I never wish ill will on someone, but I can't resist that urge to step outside to watch the wildfire, tornado, or hurricane as it approaches. If it does not come to me, that same urge makes me want to see what is happening on TV.

[fasterdisaster]

The reason is mostly likely that you experience increased adrenaline which heightens awareness, the purpose of which is to get you out of harm's way. Your subconscience knows there is a disaster and adrenaline is produced to get you to safety even if it's not affect you, but if you know truly you aren't in danger the side effect would be excitement.

[Meso]

Yeah it's human nature. Me, myself have always been a big fan of natural disasters since I was a kid, and sat and read Guinness Book of world records all the time when I was young. I am just someone who loves seeing records broken and knowing I witnessed the event. The way I see it, is one's thoughts can not change reality, it may be frowned upon to like the idea of disaster. But whether you like it or hate it, won't change the event occurrence. I have to admit, I enjoy landfalling 'canes more cause of the records it can set and the fact that it will likely be remembered more. But on the other hand I feel really bad for the people and do get emotionally effected by the images of such things. Glad I got that off my chest

[Cyclone1]

I love hurricanes. We all do, or else none of would be here. The exitement of being in a hurricane is something else. The aftermath is what we all hate. And since aftermath is guarenteed, we all feel a little guilty when we find enjoyment in hurricanes.

That's my analysis anyway.

[DanKellFla]

I am on this board to get a head up on preparing for a hurricane. I don't like them. I don't like catastrophes. I like boring and dull. Excitement usually is something bad happening. Dull is good. I have had too much "excitement" in my life.

[LizzardInFlorida]

After katrina and rita- it all changed for me. I come here to monitor storms, and to make sure my area is safe. In all honesty - the images of hurricanes are only beautiful once they are expired, and everyone is safe. Too much death and destruction, too many jobs, lives and property are lost in these overly-active storm systems. Too many cities have been devastated in recent years.

How anyone can think catastrophe is fun is beyond me. To each his or her own. I suspect after 3+ days without power would cure the "fun-factor" aspect. I suspect a lot of adolescents are behind the hoping for storms. I could be wrong. I also see adults hoping for such catastrophes. I do not like hurricanes - at all. Just my opinion.