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November 2008                                                                                                   Volume 15 - Number 2

Domestic Disaster Update...

Personal Perspective: Disaster movies do disservice

By: Morgan Halfhill

Unfortunately for many emergency managers, the general public’s perception of disasters and other issues are shaped, at least in part, by popular culture. Politicians sell their messages in 90 second TV spots presenting opposing issues of each other’s campaigns while claiming to be truthful. Some rap music explicitly promotes gun violence. Shows like Saturday Night Live (SNL) and the Colbert Report gain ratings by making fun of politicians, other TV shows, and celebrities in general. While these specific issues may not necessarily seem important to emergency managers, they would be wise to take note that movies about disasters and other “world-ending” events can interfere with public perception and preparedness.

Disaster movies like Dante’s Peak (1997), 10.4 (2004), Deep Impact (1998), The Day After Tomorrow (2004), Night of the Twisters (1996), and Outbreak (1995) run the gambit of natural and technological hazards. Since these are movies, and understandably the creators would like to have box office successes, there is sometimes little consideration given to scientific accuracy of the events. Other factors exaggerated or poorly portrayed in these movies include elements of crowd panic, instances of suicide, acts of looting and vandalizing, and quarantine practices. While most moviegoers understand that some embellishment and artistic license is used when creating an exciting, drama-filled, movie, undoubtedly that same movie conveys a message that speaks of how to react during a disaster. This can result in myths being born, and public perception being formed.

While emergency management professionals don’t have time to protest the misconceptions in each disaster movie as it hits the big screen, these professionals should be aware of the impact those movies have. The public will seek information in times of crisis and disaster, and they will call upon their past experiences (including information retained from movies) to guide their actions. Movie scenes of measures taken during earthquakes or tornadoes, for instance, can contribute to poor action during the “real” real event. Emergency managers and other appropriate personnel should attempt to identify false common beliefs or fears in the general public. Having a better understanding of the target audience (the general public), and what influences their fears, and beliefs about disasters, and then addressing them can result in better disaster communication and action guidance during response, and more importantly, during preparation/mitigation campaigns.