disneyland argumentative essay

57 Disneyland Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

🏆 best disneyland topic ideas & essay examples, 📌 simple & easy disneyland essay titles, 👍 good essay topics on disneyland.

Disneyland in American, Japanese, European Cultures Due to the popularity of the American culture, Disneyland’s representation of American culture that spreading a positive attitude about life has a significant impact on Disneyland in Asian countries, especially in Japan.
Disneyland’s Cultural Dimension: USA v. France USA and France seem to be specific but in some instances, manifestation of a degree of difference is inevitable between the two countries. We will write a custom essay specifically for you by our professional experts 808 writers online Learn More
Human Resources at Disneyland: Experience of a Large International Company Companies participate in the exploration phase by gaining awareness of the need to change. Managers in the company need to foster participation in the creation of project plans.
Disneyland Resort Paris In the year 2006, the Disneyland Paris had three parks that included; the Disney land Paris, the Disney Studio Park, and the Disney village.
Disneyland Hong Kong Company: Cultural Adaptation Also, the firm should reduce the daily capacity limit of visitors in the park to avoid overcrowding, which has been a major source of negative publicity.
Euro Disneyland. Decision Matrix Analysis The case of Euro Disneyland is analyzed from this perspective, as the insufficient consideration of French culture contributed to the inability to meet the desired goals.
Hospitality: Magic Kingdom, Disneyland, Florida It is not a theme park in itself, in that it is a vacation resort at which the visitor is expected to spend a large amount of time; the idea has been to turn into […]
Disneyland Parks: Global Marketing To analyze the environment, it is necessary to decompose the internal and external factors that affect the company in the host and foreign markets.
Disneyland Park in California: Tour Guide 1 Being known as “the El-Dorado of the American Dream,” California still presents the place of opportunities, including the chance to feel the Southwestern culture and enjoy new adventures.
Disneyland Resorts Three-Days Trip Plan After the guests arrive at the station, they transfer to the Anaheim Resort Transit Route 10, which goes directly to Disneyland.
Hong Kong Disneyland Expansion Project The company wanted to understand the culture of the people by working with foreign governments. In understanding the culture of a foreign country, a company should work with the people in that country.
Virtual Reality Ride Experience at Disneyland Florida The basic concept of the proposed ride is to utilize the current advances in VR technology to create a simulated experience for park-goers that is safe, widely usable, and sufficiently immersive that there is a […]
A Journey to the Disneyland: From Oswald to Cinderella. Walt Disney and His Personal Demons By taking a closer look at some of the peculiarities of the environment in which Disney lived at different stages of his life in, one can possibly define the source of the major disorders that […]
Disneyland in Florida: Commodification and Globalisation The premise of the paper is to explore the extent to which commodification and globalization has been established in the society in regard to Disneyland in Florida.
Disneyland Management Around the World To have a glimpse of how Paris culture affected the resort, consider the following facts: The resort altered its policy and served beers and wines in response to french drinking habits, the French government had […]
When the Door to Disneyland Is Closed: Better CRM Strategies to Rescue the World of Wonders It seems that at present, the key mission of Disney is to search for the tactics which will allow the company to provide the clientele with the services of the highest quality while making the […]
High Culture and Low Culture: Disneyland Products The distinction between high culture and low culture is needed in order to produce works of art that inspires and leads to greater achievements.
Disneyland World Resorts: Internal and External Communication These days, it is one of the most favorite amusement parks in the country, however, the history of its development in Paris faced considerable difficulties and oppositions from the French people that led to the […]
Micro And Macro Environment Analysis Of Disneyland
The Construction Of The Shanghai Disneyland
Service Quality in the Hong Kong Disneyland
Chase’s Strategy for Syndicating the Hong Kong Disneyland
Getting Around Disneyland With Your Toddler
Two Differences Of Disneyland And Walt Disney World
Disneyland Is The Most Successful Amusement Park
Why Tokyo Disneyland Was An Awesome Achievement
Disneyland In Hong Kong- Good Or Bad?
The Success and Downfall of Disneyland Paris and Fordlandia
When Is The Best Time To Be At Disneyland
The Importance of Business Models: a Closer Look at Disneyland
Disneyland and the Idea of Happiness It Creates to Both Young and Adults
The Truth About Disneyland And Disabilities
Walt Disney and the Idea of Disneyland
Cleanliness of Disneyland Verses Magic Mountain
Integrated Marketing Communication Plan Hong Kong Disneyland Marketing
Anaylsis Of Mouse Tales: A Closer Peek Backstage At Disneyland
Growth of Tourism Rate in Hongkong Made by Disneyland
Disneyland : A Popular And Successful Theme Park
Marketing Ocean Park and Disneyland in Hong Kong
Information Of Hong Kong Disneyland HotelHong
Disneyland The Fading Premise of Reality in a Postmodern Society
Marketing Plan Of Disneyland Adopt The Chinese People Culture
History of the Disneyland Park Founded and Created by Walt Disney
Disneyland Paris Transformation of Euro Disney
Institutional Theory and Resource-Based Views: Disneyland in Brazil
Disneyland Is A New World Of Yesterday, Tomorrow, And Fantasy
The Commodification of Disneyland and Its Negative Effects on Children’s Culture and Dreams
Organizational behavior of HK Disneyland
Hong Kong Disneyland: Chinese Tourists’ Behavior and Disneyland’s Internationalization Strategy
Disneyland: Not the Happiest Place on Earth
Synopsis Of Disney Disneyland Opening Day
Hong Kong Disneyland Loan Syndication
The Admission Fee At Disneyland Park
Analysis on Cross-Cultural Issues in International Management- Euro Disneyland
Improving Customer Service at Disneyland Paris
Smart Ways To Family Reunions At Disneyland
Idealized Reality Through Panoptic Discipline In Disneyland
Chicago (A-D)
Chicago (N-B)

IvyPanda. (2023, January 21). 57 Disneyland Essay Topic Ideas & Examples. https://ivypanda.com/essays/topic/disneyland-essay-topics/

"57 Disneyland Essay Topic Ideas & Examples." IvyPanda , 21 Jan. 2023, ivypanda.com/essays/topic/disneyland-essay-topics/.

IvyPanda . (2023) '57 Disneyland Essay Topic Ideas & Examples'. 21 January.

IvyPanda . 2023. "57 Disneyland Essay Topic Ideas & Examples." January 21, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/topic/disneyland-essay-topics/.

1. IvyPanda . "57 Disneyland Essay Topic Ideas & Examples." January 21, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/topic/disneyland-essay-topics/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "57 Disneyland Essay Topic Ideas & Examples." January 21, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/topic/disneyland-essay-topics/.

Entertainment Ideas
Child Development Research Ideas
Hospitality Management Essay Ideas
Tourism Management Questions
Childhood Essay Topics
Social Media Topics
Culture Topics
Contemporary Art Questions
Toddler Paper Topics
American Dream Research Topics
Brand Titles
Netflix Topics
National Parks Research Topics
Quality Control Research Topics
Public Service Research Topics

We use cookies to enhance our website for you. Proceed if you agree to this policy or learn more about it.

Essay Database >
Essays Samples >
Essay Types >
Argumentative Essay Example

Disneyland Argumentative Essays Samples For Students

4 samples of this type

Over the course of studying in college, you will certainly need to craft a lot of Argumentative Essays on Disneyland. Lucky you if putting words together and turning them into relevant text comes easy to you; if it's not the case, you can save the day by finding an already written Disneyland Argumentative Essay example and using it as a model to follow.

This is when you will definitely find WowEssays' free samples catalog extremely useful as it includes numerous skillfully written works on most various Disneyland Argumentative Essays topics. Ideally, you should be able to find a piece that meets your requirements and use it as a template to develop your own Argumentative Essay. Alternatively, our competent essay writers can deliver you a unique Disneyland Argumentative Essay model crafted from scratch according to your personal instructions.

Health, Well-Being And Disability: Disney'S Responsibility To Its Customers Argumentative Essay

Example of argumentative essay on health well-being and disability, disney’s responsibility to its customers, good disneyland amusement parks argumentative essay example.

Don't waste your time searching for a sample.

Get your argumentative essay done by professional writers!

Just from $10/page

Example Of Argumentative Essay On The City Of Robots

Password recovery email has been sent to [email protected]

Use your new password to log in

You are not register!

By clicking Register, you agree to our Terms of Service and that you have read our Privacy Policy .

Now you can download documents directly to your device!

Check your email! An email with your password has already been sent to you! Now you can download documents directly to your device.

or Use the QR code to Save this Paper to Your Phone

The sample is NOT original!

Short on a deadline?

Don't waste time. Get help with 11% off using code - GETWOWED

No, thanks! I'm fine with missing my deadline

Essay on Disneyland

Students are often asked to write an essay on Disneyland in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Disneyland

Introduction.

Disneyland is a magical theme park created by Walt Disney. It’s a place where dreams come true and imagination comes to life.

It’s located in California, USA. People from around the world visit Disneyland to experience its magic.

Attractions

Disneyland has many attractions like roller coasters, shows, and character meet-and-greets. Each one is unique and fun.

In conclusion, Disneyland is a place of joy and magic. It’s a destination that brings smiles to people of all ages.

250 Words Essay on Disneyland

The magic of disneyland.

Disneyland, the brainchild of Walt Disney, is more than just an amusement park. It is an embodiment of dreams, creativity, and the power of imagination. The park offers a unique blend of technology, storytelling, and nostalgia, making it a global phenomenon.

The Concept of Disneyland

Disneyland’s concept is rooted in Walt Disney’s desire to create a magical, immersive environment that could be enjoyed by both children and adults. The park is designed as a series of ‘lands’, each with its unique theme, such as Fantasyland, Adventureland, and Tomorrowland. These lands serve as physical manifestations of the various genres within Disney’s cinematic universe.

The Cultural Impact

Disneyland’s cultural impact is immense. It has redefined the concept of amusement parks, setting a new standard for experiential entertainment. Furthermore, it has influenced popular culture, introducing iconic characters and narratives that have become a part of global folklore.

The Disneyland Experience

The Disneyland experience is about more than just rides. It’s about stepping into a world of fantasy, where fairy tales come to life, and the line between reality and imagination blurs. The meticulous attention to detail, the immersive storytelling, and the seamless integration of technology all contribute to creating this unique experience.

In conclusion, Disneyland is a testament to the power of imagination and the enduring appeal of storytelling. It is a place where dreams come true, serving as a beacon of hope and joy for millions of visitors each year.

500 Words Essay on Disneyland

Disneyland, often referred to as the “Happiest Place on Earth,” is more than a mere amusement park. It’s a unique cultural phenomenon that has revolutionized the concept of entertainment and has left an indelible mark on global pop culture.

The Birth of Disneyland

The inception of Disneyland can be traced back to the visionary mind of Walt Disney, a pioneer in the animation industry. His dream was to create an amusement park where both adults and children could explore, interact, and immerse themselves in the enchanting world of fairy tales and Disney characters. In 1955, this dream materialized into Disneyland, situated in Anaheim, California. It was an unprecedented endeavor, blending storytelling, innovative technology, and meticulous attention to detail to create a truly immersive experience.

Impact on Popular Culture

Disneyland has significantly influenced popular culture, shaping the way we perceive entertainment. The park’s innovative use of “themed lands,” each with its distinct ambiance and attractions, has been replicated by amusement parks worldwide. Disneyland has also been instrumental in promoting a sense of nostalgia and sentimentality. The park’s attractions, from Sleeping Beauty’s castle to the Pirates of the Caribbean ride, have become cultural icons, deeply embedded in the collective consciousness.

Disneyland’s Influence on the Entertainment Industry

Disneyland’s impact extends beyond the realm of amusement parks, influencing the broader entertainment industry. The park’s success has been a catalyst for the Disney Corporation’s expansion into various entertainment sectors, including television, film, and merchandising. Disneyland’s model of immersive storytelling has also inspired the design of video games and virtual reality experiences, further underlining its influence.

Economic Impact

Economically, Disneyland has been a significant contributor to local and national economies. The park has created thousands of jobs, stimulated tourism, and spurred economic development in the surrounding areas. However, it has also been subject to criticism regarding issues such as employee wages and environmental impact.

In conclusion, Disneyland is more than a mere amusement park. It’s a cultural institution that has revolutionized the entertainment industry, shaped global pop culture, and had significant economic impacts. Despite the criticism it has faced, Disneyland’s enduring popularity attests to its unique ability to captivate audiences with its blend of storytelling, innovation, and nostalgia. As Walt Disney once said, “Disneyland will never be completed. It will continue to grow as long as there is imagination left in the world.” This statement encapsulates the enduring appeal and influence of Disneyland, a testament to the power of imagination and creativity.

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

If you’re looking for more, here are essays on other interesting topics:

Essay on Natural Disaster
Essay on Disaster Preparedness
Essay on Role of Youth in Politics

Apart from these, you can look at all the essays by clicking here .

Happy studying!

Thursday, March 10, 2016

A historiography of disneyland and its place in american culture.

4 comments:

I had a wonderful time reading this and tend to agree with most of it. Thanks for sharing and once again Disney Avenue posts great topics that invoke thought and that is what I love about you guys. Thank you!

I myself have such a deep interest in so many aspects of the theme parks... I really enjoyed this look at yet another layer of history, and opinion. Thanks for the reasearch, and Thank You for a thoughtful article. I am a new fan!

That was a great read!! I loved how it emphasized Walt's use of corporation sponsorship to build and maintain the park! Too many people today complain about companies like Starbucks don't belong in the parks! They don't realize how much that money means to the continued growth of all the parks!!!

Interesting post.

Buy Custom Assignment
Custom College Papers
Buy Dissertation
Buy Research Papers
Buy Custom Term Papers
Cheap Custom Term Papers
Custom Courseworks
Custom Thesis Papers
Custom Expository Essays
Custom Plagiarism Check
Cheap Custom Essay
Custom Argumentative Essays
Custom Case Study
Custom Annotated Bibliography
Custom Book Report
How It Works
+1 (888) 398 0091
Essay Samples
Essay Topics
Research Topics
Uncategorized
Writing Tips

Disney Argumentative Essay Topics

August 2, 2017

When writing an argumentative essay , there are various different general topics that you can use to write about. In fact, as long as there are no restrictions in terms of the subject that you are studying, then you can write an argumentative paper on just about any topic that you can think of.

Essentially, you need to ensure that the topic that you are discussing can be looked at from at least two different points of view and, therefore, you will argue from one of these points of view.

Of course, when it comes to a general topic such as Disney, then it can be easy to think that there are not many argumentative titles that can be created.

Basically, for many people, Disney is a lovable corporation that has created many wonderful films, and will often be associated with good times that people have had during childhood. However, there are still many different topics that can be used when writing an argumentative paper.

For example, you may wish to discuss which films you think are better or worse than others or you may wish to discuss various aspects relating to the different Disney films, such as which films have the best characters or soundtracks.

On the other hand, Disney as a company, as well as its founder – Walt Disney – have both had their fair share of controversial incidents over the years, including accusations of racism and other contentious points.

Therefore, you may wish to look beyond the films, in order to find a wide range of different topics to write about for an argumentative paper .

For example, there are a variety of different ideas listed below:

Walt Disney has not received enough condemnation for the political views that he held
Disney cartoons use the best animation of all animated films
Disney cartoons and films too often portray women in a bad light
Disney cartoons give young children an unrealistic view of what the world is really like
Disney should do more to educate its young viewers
Bambi is the saddest film of all time
Disney should resist the temptation to make films using computer animations and should instead use the traditional drawing that made them so well-loved in the first place
Everybody should have watched at least one Disney film in their life
Disney fails to accurately represent other cultures in their films
Walt Disney does not deserve to have won as many Oscars as he did

Top CustomWriting essays service can help you write your essay.

Sociology Research Topics Ideas

Importance of Computer in Nursing Practice Essay

History Research Paper Topics For Students

By clicking “Continue”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy. We’ll occasionally send you promo and account related emails.

Latest Articles

Navigating the complexities of a Document-Based Question (DBQ) essay can be daunting, especially given its unique blend of historical analysis...

An introduction speech stands as your first opportunity to connect with an audience, setting the tone for the message you...

Embarking on the journey to write a rough draft for an essay is not just a task but a pivotal...

I want to feel as happy, as your customers do, so I'd better order now

We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept All”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent.

Choose Your Test

Sat / act prep online guides and tips, how to write an a+ argumentative essay.

Miscellaneous

You'll no doubt have to write a number of argumentative essays in both high school and college, but what, exactly, is an argumentative essay and how do you write the best one possible? Let's take a look.

A great argumentative essay always combines the same basic elements: approaching an argument from a rational perspective, researching sources, supporting your claims using facts rather than opinion, and articulating your reasoning into the most cogent and reasoned points. Argumentative essays are great building blocks for all sorts of research and rhetoric, so your teachers will expect you to master the technique before long.

But if this sounds daunting, never fear! We'll show how an argumentative essay differs from other kinds of papers, how to research and write them, how to pick an argumentative essay topic, and where to find example essays. So let's get started.

What Is an Argumentative Essay? How Is it Different from Other Kinds of Essays?

There are two basic requirements for any and all essays: to state a claim (a thesis statement) and to support that claim with evidence.

Though every essay is founded on these two ideas, there are several different types of essays, differentiated by the style of the writing, how the writer presents the thesis, and the types of evidence used to support the thesis statement.

Essays can be roughly divided into four different types:

#1: Argumentative #2: Persuasive #3: Expository #4: Analytical

So let's look at each type and what the differences are between them before we focus the rest of our time to argumentative essays.

Argumentative Essay

Argumentative essays are what this article is all about, so let's talk about them first.

An argumentative essay attempts to convince a reader to agree with a particular argument (the writer's thesis statement). The writer takes a firm stand one way or another on a topic and then uses hard evidence to support that stance.

An argumentative essay seeks to prove to the reader that one argument —the writer's argument— is the factually and logically correct one. This means that an argumentative essay must use only evidence-based support to back up a claim , rather than emotional or philosophical reasoning (which is often allowed in other types of essays). Thus, an argumentative essay has a burden of substantiated proof and sources , whereas some other types of essays (namely persuasive essays) do not.

You can write an argumentative essay on any topic, so long as there's room for argument. Generally, you can use the same topics for both a persuasive essay or an argumentative one, so long as you support the argumentative essay with hard evidence.

Example topics of an argumentative essay:

"Should farmers be allowed to shoot wolves if those wolves injure or kill farm animals?"
"Should the drinking age be lowered in the United States?"
"Are alternatives to democracy effective and/or feasible to implement?"

The next three types of essays are not argumentative essays, but you may have written them in school. We're going to cover them so you know what not to do for your argumentative essay.

Persuasive Essay

Persuasive essays are similar to argumentative essays, so it can be easy to get them confused. But knowing what makes an argumentative essay different than a persuasive essay can often mean the difference between an excellent grade and an average one.

Persuasive essays seek to persuade a reader to agree with the point of view of the writer, whether that point of view is based on factual evidence or not. The writer has much more flexibility in the evidence they can use, with the ability to use moral, cultural, or opinion-based reasoning as well as factual reasoning to persuade the reader to agree the writer's side of a given issue.

Instead of being forced to use "pure" reason as one would in an argumentative essay, the writer of a persuasive essay can manipulate or appeal to the reader's emotions. So long as the writer attempts to steer the readers into agreeing with the thesis statement, the writer doesn't necessarily need hard evidence in favor of the argument.

Often, you can use the same topics for both a persuasive essay or an argumentative one—the difference is all in the approach and the evidence you present.

Example topics of a persuasive essay:

"Should children be responsible for their parents' debts?"
"Should cheating on a test be automatic grounds for expulsion?"
"How much should sports leagues be held accountable for player injuries and the long-term consequences of those injuries?"

Expository Essay

An expository essay is typically a short essay in which the writer explains an idea, issue, or theme , or discusses the history of a person, place, or idea.

This is typically a fact-forward essay with little argument or opinion one way or the other.

Example topics of an expository essay:

"The History of the Philadelphia Liberty Bell"
"The Reasons I Always Wanted to be a Doctor"
"The Meaning Behind the Colloquialism ‘People in Glass Houses Shouldn't Throw Stones'"

Analytical Essay

An analytical essay seeks to delve into the deeper meaning of a text or work of art, or unpack a complicated idea . These kinds of essays closely interpret a source and look into its meaning by analyzing it at both a macro and micro level.

This type of analysis can be augmented by historical context or other expert or widely-regarded opinions on the subject, but is mainly supported directly through the original source (the piece or art or text being analyzed) .

Example topics of an analytical essay:

"Victory Gin in Place of Water: The Symbolism Behind Gin as the Only Potable Substance in George Orwell's 1984"
"Amarna Period Art: The Meaning Behind the Shift from Rigid to Fluid Poses"
"Adultery During WWII, as Told Through a Series of Letters to and from Soldiers"

There are many different types of essay and, over time, you'll be able to master them all.

A Typical Argumentative Essay Assignment

The average argumentative essay is between three to five pages, and will require at least three or four separate sources with which to back your claims . As for the essay topic , you'll most often be asked to write an argumentative essay in an English class on a "general" topic of your choice, ranging the gamut from science, to history, to literature.

But while the topics of an argumentative essay can span several different fields, the structure of an argumentative essay is always the same: you must support a claim—a claim that can reasonably have multiple sides—using multiple sources and using a standard essay format (which we'll talk about later on).

This is why many argumentative essay topics begin with the word "should," as in:

"Should all students be required to learn chemistry in high school?"
"Should children be required to learn a second language?"
"Should schools or governments be allowed to ban books?"

These topics all have at least two sides of the argument: Yes or no. And you must support the side you choose with evidence as to why your side is the correct one.

But there are also plenty of other ways to frame an argumentative essay as well:

"Does using social media do more to benefit or harm people?"
"Does the legal status of artwork or its creators—graffiti and vandalism, pirated media, a creator who's in jail—have an impact on the art itself?"
"Is or should anyone ever be ‘above the law?'"

Though these are worded differently than the first three, you're still essentially forced to pick between two sides of an issue: yes or no, for or against, benefit or detriment. Though your argument might not fall entirely into one side of the divide or another—for instance, you could claim that social media has positively impacted some aspects of modern life while being a detriment to others—your essay should still support one side of the argument above all. Your final stance would be that overall , social media is beneficial or overall , social media is harmful.

If your argument is one that is mostly text-based or backed by a single source (e.g., "How does Salinger show that Holden Caulfield is an unreliable narrator?" or "Does Gatsby personify the American Dream?"), then it's an analytical essay, rather than an argumentative essay. An argumentative essay will always be focused on more general topics so that you can use multiple sources to back up your claims.

Good Argumentative Essay Topics

So you know the basic idea behind an argumentative essay, but what topic should you write about?

Again, almost always, you'll be asked to write an argumentative essay on a free topic of your choice, or you'll be asked to select between a few given topics . If you're given complete free reign of topics, then it'll be up to you to find an essay topic that no only appeals to you, but that you can turn into an A+ argumentative essay.

What makes a "good" argumentative essay topic depends on both the subject matter and your personal interest —it can be hard to give your best effort on something that bores you to tears! But it can also be near impossible to write an argumentative essay on a topic that has no room for debate.

As we said earlier, a good argumentative essay topic will be one that has the potential to reasonably go in at least two directions—for or against, yes or no, and why . For example, it's pretty hard to write an argumentative essay on whether or not people should be allowed to murder one another—not a whole lot of debate there for most people!—but writing an essay for or against the death penalty has a lot more wiggle room for evidence and argument.

A good topic is also one that can be substantiated through hard evidence and relevant sources . So be sure to pick a topic that other people have studied (or at least studied elements of) so that you can use their data in your argument. For example, if you're arguing that it should be mandatory for all middle school children to play a sport, you might have to apply smaller scientific data points to the larger picture you're trying to justify. There are probably several studies you could cite on the benefits of physical activity and the positive effect structure and teamwork has on young minds, but there's probably no study you could use where a group of scientists put all middle-schoolers in one jurisdiction into a mandatory sports program (since that's probably never happened). So long as your evidence is relevant to your point and you can extrapolate from it to form a larger whole, you can use it as a part of your resource material.

And if you need ideas on where to get started, or just want to see sample argumentative essay topics, then check out these links for hundreds of potential argumentative essay topics.

101 Persuasive (or Argumentative) Essay and Speech Topics

301 Prompts for Argumentative Writing

Top 50 Ideas for Argumentative/Persuasive Essay Writing

[Note: some of these say "persuasive essay topics," but just remember that the same topic can often be used for both a persuasive essay and an argumentative essay; the difference is in your writing style and the evidence you use to support your claims.]

KO! Find that one argumentative essay topic you can absolutely conquer.

Argumentative Essay Format

Argumentative Essays are composed of four main elements:

A position (your argument)
Your reasons
Supporting evidence for those reasons (from reliable sources)
Counterargument(s) (possible opposing arguments and reasons why those arguments are incorrect)

If you're familiar with essay writing in general, then you're also probably familiar with the five paragraph essay structure . This structure is a simple tool to show how one outlines an essay and breaks it down into its component parts, although it can be expanded into as many paragraphs as you want beyond the core five.

The standard argumentative essay is often 3-5 pages, which will usually mean a lot more than five paragraphs, but your overall structure will look the same as a much shorter essay.

An argumentative essay at its simplest structure will look like:

Paragraph 1: Intro

Set up the story/problem/issue
Thesis/claim

Paragraph 2: Support

Reason #1 claim is correct
Supporting evidence with sources

Paragraph 3: Support

Reason #2 claim is correct

Paragraph 4: Counterargument

Explanation of argument for the other side
Refutation of opposing argument with supporting evidence

Paragraph 5: Conclusion

Re-state claim
Sum up reasons and support of claim from the essay to prove claim is correct

Now let's unpack each of these paragraph types to see how they work (with examples!), what goes into them, and why.

Paragraph 1—Set Up and Claim

Your first task is to introduce the reader to the topic at hand so they'll be prepared for your claim. Give a little background information, set the scene, and give the reader some stakes so that they care about the issue you're going to discuss.

Next, you absolutely must have a position on an argument and make that position clear to the readers. It's not an argumentative essay unless you're arguing for a specific claim, and this claim will be your thesis statement.

Your thesis CANNOT be a mere statement of fact (e.g., "Washington DC is the capital of the United States"). Your thesis must instead be an opinion which can be backed up with evidence and has the potential to be argued against (e.g., "New York should be the capital of the United States").

Paragraphs 2 and 3—Your Evidence

These are your body paragraphs in which you give the reasons why your argument is the best one and back up this reasoning with concrete evidence .

The argument supporting the thesis of an argumentative essay should be one that can be supported by facts and evidence, rather than personal opinion or cultural or religious mores.

For example, if you're arguing that New York should be the new capital of the US, you would have to back up that fact by discussing the factual contrasts between New York and DC in terms of location, population, revenue, and laws. You would then have to talk about the precedents for what makes for a good capital city and why New York fits the bill more than DC does.

Your argument can't simply be that a lot of people think New York is the best city ever and that you agree.

In addition to using concrete evidence, you always want to keep the tone of your essay passionate, but impersonal . Even though you're writing your argument from a single opinion, don't use first person language—"I think," "I feel," "I believe,"—to present your claims. Doing so is repetitive, since by writing the essay you're already telling the audience what you feel, and using first person language weakens your writing voice.

For example,

"I think that Washington DC is no longer suited to be the capital city of the United States."

"Washington DC is no longer suited to be the capital city of the United States."

The second statement sounds far stronger and more analytical.

Paragraph 4—Argument for the Other Side and Refutation

Even without a counter argument, you can make a pretty persuasive claim, but a counterargument will round out your essay into one that is much more persuasive and substantial.

By anticipating an argument against your claim and taking the initiative to counter it, you're allowing yourself to get ahead of the game. This way, you show that you've given great thought to all sides of the issue before choosing your position, and you demonstrate in multiple ways how yours is the more reasoned and supported side.

Paragraph 5—Conclusion

This paragraph is where you re-state your argument and summarize why it's the best claim.

Briefly touch on your supporting evidence and voila! A finished argumentative essay.

Your essay should have just as awesome a skeleton as this plesiosaur does. (In other words: a ridiculously awesome skeleton)

Argumentative Essay Example: 5-Paragraph Style

It always helps to have an example to learn from. I've written a full 5-paragraph argumentative essay here. Look at how I state my thesis in paragraph 1, give supporting evidence in paragraphs 2 and 3, address a counterargument in paragraph 4, and conclude in paragraph 5.

Topic: Is it possible to maintain conflicting loyalties?

Paragraph 1

It is almost impossible to go through life without encountering a situation where your loyalties to different people or causes come into conflict with each other. Maybe you have a loving relationship with your sister, but she disagrees with your decision to join the army, or you find yourself torn between your cultural beliefs and your scientific ones. These conflicting loyalties can often be maintained for a time, but as examples from both history and psychological theory illustrate, sooner or later, people have to make a choice between competing loyalties, as no one can maintain a conflicting loyalty or belief system forever.

The first two sentences set the scene and give some hypothetical examples and stakes for the reader to care about.

The third sentence finishes off the intro with the thesis statement, making very clear how the author stands on the issue ("people have to make a choice between competing loyalties, as no one can maintain a conflicting loyalty or belief system forever." )

Paragraphs 2 and 3

Psychological theory states that human beings are not equipped to maintain conflicting loyalties indefinitely and that attempting to do so leads to a state called "cognitive dissonance." Cognitive dissonance theory is the psychological idea that people undergo tremendous mental stress or anxiety when holding contradictory beliefs, values, or loyalties (Festinger, 1957). Even if human beings initially hold a conflicting loyalty, they will do their best to find a mental equilibrium by making a choice between those loyalties—stay stalwart to a belief system or change their beliefs. One of the earliest formal examples of cognitive dissonance theory comes from Leon Festinger's When Prophesy Fails . Members of an apocalyptic cult are told that the end of the world will occur on a specific date and that they alone will be spared the Earth's destruction. When that day comes and goes with no apocalypse, the cult members face a cognitive dissonance between what they see and what they've been led to believe (Festinger, 1956). Some choose to believe that the cult's beliefs are still correct, but that the Earth was simply spared from destruction by mercy, while others choose to believe that they were lied to and that the cult was fraudulent all along. Both beliefs cannot be correct at the same time, and so the cult members are forced to make their choice.

But even when conflicting loyalties can lead to potentially physical, rather than just mental, consequences, people will always make a choice to fall on one side or other of a dividing line. Take, for instance, Nicolaus Copernicus, a man born and raised in Catholic Poland (and educated in Catholic Italy). Though the Catholic church dictated specific scientific teachings, Copernicus' loyalty to his own observations and scientific evidence won out over his loyalty to his country's government and belief system. When he published his heliocentric model of the solar system--in opposition to the geocentric model that had been widely accepted for hundreds of years (Hannam, 2011)-- Copernicus was making a choice between his loyalties. In an attempt t o maintain his fealty both to the established system and to what he believed, h e sat on his findings for a number of years (Fantoli, 1994). But, ultimately, Copernicus made the choice to side with his beliefs and observations above all and published his work for the world to see (even though, in doing so, he risked both his reputation and personal freedoms).

These two paragraphs provide the reasons why the author supports the main argument and uses substantiated sources to back those reasons.

The paragraph on cognitive dissonance theory gives both broad supporting evidence and more narrow, detailed supporting evidence to show why the thesis statement is correct not just anecdotally but also scientifically and psychologically. First, we see why people in general have a difficult time accepting conflicting loyalties and desires and then how this applies to individuals through the example of the cult members from the Dr. Festinger's research.

The next paragraph continues to use more detailed examples from history to provide further evidence of why the thesis that people cannot indefinitely maintain conflicting loyalties is true.

Paragraph 4

Some will claim that it is possible to maintain conflicting beliefs or loyalties permanently, but this is often more a matter of people deluding themselves and still making a choice for one side or the other, rather than truly maintaining loyalty to both sides equally. For example, Lancelot du Lac typifies a person who claims to maintain a balanced loyalty between to two parties, but his attempt to do so fails (as all attempts to permanently maintain conflicting loyalties must). Lancelot tells himself and others that he is equally devoted to both King Arthur and his court and to being Queen Guinevere's knight (Malory, 2008). But he can neither be in two places at once to protect both the king and queen, nor can he help but let his romantic feelings for the queen to interfere with his duties to the king and the kingdom. Ultimately, he and Queen Guinevere give into their feelings for one another and Lancelot—though he denies it—chooses his loyalty to her over his loyalty to Arthur. This decision plunges the kingdom into a civil war, ages Lancelot prematurely, and ultimately leads to Camelot's ruin (Raabe, 1987). Though Lancelot claimed to have been loyal to both the king and the queen, this loyalty was ultimately in conflict, and he could not maintain it.

Here we have the acknowledgement of a potential counter-argument and the evidence as to why it isn't true.

The argument is that some people (or literary characters) have asserted that they give equal weight to their conflicting loyalties. The refutation is that, though some may claim to be able to maintain conflicting loyalties, they're either lying to others or deceiving themselves. The paragraph shows why this is true by providing an example of this in action.

Paragraph 5

Whether it be through literature or history, time and time again, people demonstrate the challenges of trying to manage conflicting loyalties and the inevitable consequences of doing so. Though belief systems are malleable and will often change over time, it is not possible to maintain two mutually exclusive loyalties or beliefs at once. In the end, people always make a choice, and loyalty for one party or one side of an issue will always trump loyalty to the other.

The concluding paragraph summarizes the essay, touches on the evidence presented, and re-states the thesis statement.

How to Write an Argumentative Essay: 8 Steps

Writing the best argumentative essay is all about the preparation, so let's talk steps:

#1: Preliminary Research

If you have the option to pick your own argumentative essay topic (which you most likely will), then choose one or two topics you find the most intriguing or that you have a vested interest in and do some preliminary research on both sides of the debate.

Do an open internet search just to see what the general chatter is on the topic and what the research trends are.

Did your preliminary reading influence you to pick a side or change your side? Without diving into all the scholarly articles at length, do you believe there's enough evidence to support your claim? Have there been scientific studies? Experiments? Does a noted scholar in the field agree with you? If not, you may need to pick another topic or side of the argument to support.

#2: Pick Your Side and Form Your Thesis

Now's the time to pick the side of the argument you feel you can support the best and summarize your main point into your thesis statement.

Your thesis will be the basis of your entire essay, so make sure you know which side you're on, that you've stated it clearly, and that you stick by your argument throughout the entire essay .

#3: Heavy-Duty Research Time

You've taken a gander at what the internet at large has to say on your argument, but now's the time to actually read those sources and take notes.

Check scholarly journals online at Google Scholar , the Directory of Open Access Journals , or JStor . You can also search individual university or school libraries and websites to see what kinds of academic articles you can access for free. Keep track of your important quotes and page numbers and put them somewhere that's easy to find later.

And don't forget to check your school or local libraries as well!

#4: Outline

Follow the five-paragraph outline structure from the previous section.

Fill in your topic, your reasons, and your supporting evidence into each of the categories.

Before you begin to flesh out the essay, take a look at what you've got. Is your thesis statement in the first paragraph? Is it clear? Is your argument logical? Does your supporting evidence support your reasoning?

By outlining your essay, you streamline your process and take care of any logic gaps before you dive headfirst into the writing. This will save you a lot of grief later on if you need to change your sources or your structure, so don't get too trigger-happy and skip this step.

Now that you've laid out exactly what you'll need for your essay and where, it's time to fill in all the gaps by writing it out.

Take it one step at a time and expand your ideas into complete sentences and substantiated claims. It may feel daunting to turn an outline into a complete draft, but just remember that you've already laid out all the groundwork; now you're just filling in the gaps.

If you have the time before deadline, give yourself a day or two (or even just an hour!) away from your essay . Looking it over with fresh eyes will allow you to see errors, both minor and major, that you likely would have missed had you tried to edit when it was still raw.

Take a first pass over the entire essay and try your best to ignore any minor spelling or grammar mistakes—you're just looking at the big picture right now. Does it make sense as a whole? Did the essay succeed in making an argument and backing that argument up logically? (Do you feel persuaded?)

If not, go back and make notes so that you can fix it for your final draft.

Once you've made your revisions to the overall structure, mark all your small errors and grammar problems so you can fix them in the next draft.

#7: Final Draft

Use the notes you made on the rough draft and go in and hack and smooth away until you're satisfied with the final result.

A checklist for your final draft:

Formatting is correct according to your teacher's standards
No errors in spelling, grammar, and punctuation
Essay is the right length and size for the assignment
The argument is present, consistent, and concise
Each reason is supported by relevant evidence
The essay makes sense overall

#8: Celebrate!

Once you've brought that final draft to a perfect polish and turned in your assignment, you're done! Go you!

Be prepared and ♪ you'll never go hungry again ♪, *cough*, or struggle with your argumentative essay-writing again. (Walt Disney Studios)

Good Examples of Argumentative Essays Online

Theory is all well and good, but examples are key. Just to get you started on what a fully-fleshed out argumentative essay looks like, let's see some examples in action.

Check out these two argumentative essay examples on the use of landmines and freons (and note the excellent use of concrete sources to back up their arguments!).

The Use of Landmines

A Shattered Sky

The Take-Aways: Keys to Writing an Argumentative Essay

At first, writing an argumentative essay may seem like a monstrous hurdle to overcome, but with the proper preparation and understanding, you'll be able to knock yours out of the park.

Remember the differences between a persuasive essay and an argumentative one, make sure your thesis is clear, and double-check that your supporting evidence is both relevant to your point and well-sourced . Pick your topic, do your research, make your outline, and fill in the gaps. Before you know it, you'll have yourself an A+ argumentative essay there, my friend.

What's Next?

Now you know the ins and outs of an argumentative essay, but how comfortable are you writing in other styles? Learn more about the four writing styles and when it makes sense to use each .

Understand how to make an argument, but still having trouble organizing your thoughts? Check out our guide to three popular essay formats and choose which one is right for you.

Ready to make your case, but not sure what to write about? We've created a list of 50 potential argumentative essay topics to spark your imagination.

Courtney scored in the 99th percentile on the SAT in high school and went on to graduate from Stanford University with a degree in Cultural and Social Anthropology. She is passionate about bringing education and the tools to succeed to students from all backgrounds and walks of life, as she believes open education is one of the great societal equalizers. She has years of tutoring experience and writes creative works in her free time.

Student and Parent Forum

Our new student and parent forum, at ExpertHub.PrepScholar.com , allow you to interact with your peers and the PrepScholar staff. See how other students and parents are navigating high school, college, and the college admissions process. Ask questions; get answers.

Ask a Question Below

Have any questions about this article or other topics? Ask below and we'll reply!

Improve With Our Famous Guides

For All Students

The 5 Strategies You Must Be Using to Improve 160+ SAT Points

How to Get a Perfect 1600, by a Perfect Scorer

Series: How to Get 800 on Each SAT Section:

Score 800 on SAT Math

Score 800 on SAT Reading

Score 800 on SAT Writing

Series: How to Get to 600 on Each SAT Section:

Score 600 on SAT Math

Score 600 on SAT Reading

Score 600 on SAT Writing

Free Complete Official SAT Practice Tests

What SAT Target Score Should You Be Aiming For?

15 Strategies to Improve Your SAT Essay

The 5 Strategies You Must Be Using to Improve 4+ ACT Points

How to Get a Perfect 36 ACT, by a Perfect Scorer

Series: How to Get 36 on Each ACT Section:

36 on ACT English

36 on ACT Math

36 on ACT Reading

36 on ACT Science

Series: How to Get to 24 on Each ACT Section:

24 on ACT English

24 on ACT Math

24 on ACT Reading

24 on ACT Science

What ACT target score should you be aiming for?

ACT Vocabulary You Must Know

ACT Writing: 15 Tips to Raise Your Essay Score

How to Get Into Harvard and the Ivy League

How to Get a Perfect 4.0 GPA

How to Write an Amazing College Essay

What Exactly Are Colleges Looking For?

Is the ACT easier than the SAT? A Comprehensive Guide

Should you retake your SAT or ACT?

When should you take the SAT or ACT?

Stay Informed

Get the latest articles and test prep tips!

Looking for Graduate School Test Prep?

Check out our top-rated graduate blogs here:

GRE Online Prep Blog

GMAT Online Prep Blog

TOEFL Online Prep Blog

Holly R. "I am absolutely overjoyed and cannot thank you enough for helping me!”

Home — Essay Samples — Geography & Travel — Disneyland — An Overview Of Disneyland Park

An Overview of Disneyland Park

Categories: Amusement Park Disneyland

About this sample

Words: 558 |

Published: May 14, 2021

Words: 558 | Page: 1 | 3 min read

Disneyland in France (Paris)

Works cited.

Disneyland Resort Official Website. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://disneyland.disney.go.com/
Disneyland Paris Official Website. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.disneylandparis.com/en-gb/
The Walt Disney Family Museum. (n.d.). About Walt Disney. Retrieved from https://www.waltdisney.org/about-walt-disney
Miller, S. (2018). Disneyland: The hidden facts and secrets of Walt Disney's theme parks. CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform.
Sorkin, M. (2016). From Disneyland to Disney World: The business of magic. Routledge.
The Walt Disney Company. (2021). 2020 Annual Report.
Poole, K. (2017). Secrets of Disneyland: Weird and wonderful facts about the happiest place on earth. Summertime Publishing.
Krasnostein, M. (2019). The land of permanent goodbyes: A moving, powerful and timely intergenerational story that will touch every heart. HarperCollins.
Theme Park Insider. (n.d.). Disneyland.
Chung, J., & Lee, T. (2015). Disneyland Resort: A family vacation destination. Journal of Tourism and Hospitality Management, 3(1), 22-34.

Cite this Essay

Let us write you an essay from scratch

450+ experts on 30 subjects ready to help
Custom essay delivered in as few as 3 hours

Get high-quality help

Dr. Karlyna PhD

Verified writer

Expert in: Government & Politics Geography & Travel

+ 120 experts online

By clicking “Check Writers’ Offers”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy . We’ll occasionally send you promo and account related email

No need to pay just yet!

Related Essays

1 pages / 511 words

2 pages / 687 words

1 pages / 568 words

2 pages / 872 words

Remember! This is just a sample.

You can get your custom paper by one of our expert writers.

121 writers online

Still can’t find what you need?

Browse our vast selection of original essay samples, each expertly formatted and styled

Related Essays on Disneyland

Disneyland, often referred to as "The Happiest Place on Earth," is a world-renowned amusement park located in Anaheim, California. Since its opening in 1955, Disneyland has become a symbol of joy, magic, and imagination for [...]

When it comes to choosing a theme park for a fun and memorable experience, many people often debate between Disneyland and Six Flags. While both offer thrilling rides and entertainment, there are several factors that make [...]

The major factors that contributed to EuroDisney’s poor performance was the lack of market research and cultural awareness. EuroDisney was built just like American Disney parks, without giving though to cultural differences. [...]

I could name a million gifts that have been incredibly significant to me: an electronic device given by my parents, a book given by my friends, or even a pair of old ballet shoes from my good cousin. However, the gift that has [...]

In ancient times, California was not under U.S. territory. Later in 1850, it became the 31st state. California is the most populous state of the U.S. It is the 3rd largest state which covers 423,970km sq. with a 39.6 million [...]

Disneyland Resorts and Walt Disney World have historically positioned themselves as family-focused tourist destinations. So, it is no surprise that Disney’s American Parks and Resorts demographic fits that description. However, [...]

Get Your Personalized Essay in 3 Hours or Less!

We use cookies to personalyze your web-site experience. By continuing we’ll assume you board with our cookie policy .

Instructions Followed To The Letter
Deadlines Met At Every Stage
Unique And Plagiarism Free

Share full article

Supported by

California Today

Anaheim Approves Biggest Redesign of Disneyland in 30 Years

Disney plans to spend at least $1.9 billion to develop and reimagine the park over the next decade.

By Soumya Karlamangla

Crowds gathered in front of an ornate castle set against a clear blue sky.

Big changes are coming to the so-called Happiest Place on Earth.

Yesterday, the Anaheim City Council unanimously approved a sweeping renovation of Disneyland that will allow the creation of new attractions, shops and restaurants within the theme park resort’s existing property. It’s the biggest overhaul of Disneyland since the 1990s, city officials said.

Supporting the long-term success of Disneyland, a major economic engine and the biggest employer in Anaheim, Orange County’s most populous city, “ultimately translates into city revenues that help serve the residents of Anaheim,” Ted White, the deputy city manager and planning director, said at the meeting. Another procedural vote by the council is required for final approval; it is scheduled to be held in May.

Under the 40-year plan, Disney has promised to invest at least $1.9 billion in the resort over the next decade. The theme park’s footprint would not expand, except that Disney will buy three public streets from Anaheim for $40 million.

The project proposes building new attractions on an existing Disneyland parking lot and redesigning park space to better incorporate lodging, rides and shops. Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, which opened at Disneyland in 2019, is an example of this new kind of interactive experience , and Disney officials have floated adding Frozen, Zootopia or Peter Pan lands, similar to those in Shanghai, Hong Kong and Tokyo.

City officials said that construction work for the project would temporarily lead to noise and pollution in Anaheim. Residents also raised concerns about increased traffic, higher rents and a higher cost of living because of the expansion.

But the City Council decided the project was worth those trade-offs because of the boost the park gives to the city’s economy and the tax revenue it generates. Disney has also agreed to give the city $30 million to create affordable housing and $8 million to invest in city parks.

“As someone that has been quite the vocal critic in the past of some of these projects,” Mayor Ashleigh Aitken said during the meeting, “I’ve been really surprised in doing my due diligence and reading thousands of pages of documents that this project will bring a benefit to our community, not just in the near future, but decades to come.”

Gov. Gavin Newsom praised the approval of the plan on Wednesday morning, saying that the project would create more than 7,800 jobs over four years through new construction, and 3,600 jobs during operation.

The rest of the news

California lawmakers are pushing for legislation to protect neural data, increasingly coveted by technology companies, after Colorado passed a similar bill . The California State Senate’s Judiciary Committee approved a measure this week that defines neural data as “sensitive personal information .”

State regulators voted Wednesday to establish a drinking water limit specifically for hexavalent chromium , the highly toxic compound made infamous by the 2000 film “Erin Brockovich,” The Associated Press reported. Until now it was not regulated separately from other, less harmful chromium compounds in drinking water.

Barbara Joans, an iconoclastic anthropologist and feminist activist who took up motorcycling in her 50s and chronicled the tribes and customs within Harley-Davidson culture in her book “Bike Lust,” died in Santa Cruz. She was 89.

Southern California

The city of Solana Beach settled a lawsuit with Del Mar Fairgrounds over public safety, noise management, traffic control, parking and litter abatement for the KAABOO music festival, The San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

The infamous “Dead Man’s Curve” on the Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu might get automated cameras to ticket speeders, CalMatters reports. A bill to authorize the cameras comes after four Pepperdine students were killed on the curve last fall.

Central California

The city of Modesto paid nearly $362,000 to settle a lawsuit by its former longtime city clerk , who claimed that top city officials retaliated against her for being a whistle-blower and that she had been subject to harassment, discrimination and the intentional infliction of emotional distress, The Modesto Bee reports.

Northern California

Sober travelers are still finding something to savor in wine country.

A tiny cabin village for homeless people opened in the Mission District in San Francisco, at a cost to the city of about $113,000 per unit, The San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Yosemite National Park reopened “glamping” at the High Sierra Camps campsites, The Los Angeles Times reports. Campers have access to showers, chef-prepared meals and a view of the park’s wild back country.

And before you go, some good news

Monday is Earth Day, a day set aside for showing how much you love the environment. And if you love Earth Day, you can thank California.

The day’s origins can be traced back to a 1969 disaster off the coast of California that helped ignite the modern environmental movement.

I wrote a few years ago about how California inspired the creation of Earth Day. You can read the full article here.

Thanks for reading. I’ll be back tomorrow. — Soumya

P.S. Here’s today’s Mini Crossword .

Maia Coleman , Briana Scalia and Sofia Poznansky contributed to California Today. You can reach the team at [email protected].

Soumya Karlamangla reports on California news and culture and is based in San Francisco. She writes the California Today newsletter. More about Soumya Karlamangla

According to Stephen King, This Is Why We Crave Horror Movies

The horror king breaks down our obsession with the macabre.

Stephen King and horror are synonymous. Are you really able to call yourself a fan of horror if one of his novels or film adaptations isn't among your top favorites? The Maine-born writer is hands down the most successful horror writer and one of the most beloved and prolific writers ever whose legacy spans generations. Without King, we might not be as terrified of clowns and or think twice about bullying the shy girl in school. One could say that King has earned the moniker, "the King of Horror." In addition to all he's written, King has also had over 60 adaptations of his work for television and the big screen and has written, produced, and starred in films and shows as well. He has fully immersed himself in the genre of horror from all sides, and it's unlikely that we will ever have anyone else like Stephen King. But did you know that King wrote an essay that was published in Playboy magazine about horror movies?

In 1981, King's essay titled " Why We Crave Horror Movies " was published in Playboy magazine as a variation of the chapter " The Horror Movie As Junk Food" in Danse Macabre . Danse Macabre was published in 1981 and is one of the non-fiction books in which that wrote about horror in media and how our fears and anxieties have been influencing the horror genre. The full article that was published is no longer online, but there is a shortened four-page version of it that can be found.

RELATED: The Iconic Horror Movie You Won't Believe Premiered at Cannes

Stephen King Believes We Are All Mentally Ill

The essay starts out guns blazing, the first line reading "I think that we're all mentally ill; those of us outside the asylums only hide it a little bit better." From here, he describes the general behaviors of people we know and how mannerisms and irrational fears are not different between the public and those in asylums. He points out that we pay money to sit in a theater and be scared to prove a point that we can and to show that we do not shy away from fear. Some of us, he states, even go watch horror movies for fun, which closes the gap between normalcy and insanity. A patron can go to the movies, and watch someone get mutilated and killed, and it's considered normal, everyday behavior. This, as a horror lover, feels very targeted. I absolutely watch horror movies for fun and I will do so with my bucket of heart-attack-buttered popcorn and sip on my Coke Zero. The most insane thing about all of that? The massive debt accumulated from one simple movie date.

Watching Horror Movies Allows Us to Release Our Insanity

King states that we use horror movies as a catharsis to act out our nightmares and the worst parts of us. Getting to watch the insanity and depravity on the movie screen allows us to release our inner insanity, which in turn, keeps us sane. He writes that watching horror movies allows us to let our emotions have little to no rein at all, and that is something that we don't always get to do in everyday life. Society has a set of parameters that we must follow with regard to expressing ourselves to maintain the air of normalcy and not be seen as a weirdo. When watching horror movies, we see incredibly visceral reactions in the most extreme of situations. This can cause the viewer to reflect on how they would react or respond to being in the same type of situation. Do we identify more with the victim or the villain? This poses an interesting thought for horror lovers because sometimes the villain is justified. Are we wrong for empathizing with them instead?

Let's take a look at one of the more popular horror movies of recent years. Mandy is about a woman who is murdered by a crazed cult because she is the object of the leader's obsession. This causes Red ( Nicolas Cage ) to ride off seeking revenge for the love of his life being murdered. There are also movies like I Spit On Your Grave and The Last House On The Left where the protagonist becomes the murderer in these instances because of the trauma they experienced from sexual assault. Their revenge makes audiences a little more willing to side with the murderer because they took back their power and those they killed got what was deserved. This is where that Lucille Bluth meme that says "good for her" is used. I'll die on the hill that those characters were justified and if that makes me mentally ill then King might be right!

What Does Stephen King Mean When He Tells Us to "Keep the Gators" Fed?

At the end of the essay, King mentions he likes to watch the most extreme horror movies because it releases a trap door where he can feed the alligators. The alligators he is referring to are a metaphor for the worst in all humans and the morbid fantasies that lie within each of us. The essay concludes with "It was Lennon and McCartney who said that all you need is love, and I would agree with that. As long as you keep the gators fed." From this, we can deduce that King feels we all have the ability to be institutionalized, but those of us that watch horror movies are less likely because the sick fantasies can be released from our brains.

With that release, we can walk down the street normally without the bat of an eye from walkers-by. Perhaps this is why the premise for movies like The Purge came to fruition. A movie where for 24 hours all crime, including murder, is decriminalized couldn't have been made by someone who doesn't get road rage or scream into the void. It was absolutely made by someone who waited at the DMV for too long or has had experience working in retail around Black Friday. With what King is saying, The Purge is a direct reflection of that catharsis. Not only are you getting to watch a crazy horror movie where everyone is shooting everyone and everything is on fire, but it's likely something you've had a thought or two about. You can consider those gators fed for sure.

Do Horror Movies Offer Us True Catharsis or Persuasive Perspective?

Catharsis as a concept was coined by the philosopher Aristotle . He explained that the performing arts are a way to purge negative types of emotions from our subconscious, so we don't have to hold onto them anymore. This viewpoint further perpetuates what King is trying to explain. With that cathartic relief, the urgency to act on negative emotion is less likely to happen because there is no build-up of negativity circling the drain from our subconscious to our reality. However, some who read the essay felt like King was just being persuasive and using fancy imagery rather than identifying an actual reason why horror is popular. Some claim the shock and awe factor of his words and his influence on horror would cause some readers to believe they are mentally ill deep down. I have to say, as a millennial who rummages through the ends of social media multiple times a day, everyone on the internet thinks they're mentally ill, and we all have the memes to prove it. It is exciting and fascinating to watch a horror movie after working a 9-5 job where the excitement is low. Watching Ghostface stalk Sidney Prescott ( Neve Campbell ) in Scream isn't everyone's idea of winding down, but for the last 20-something years, it has been my comfort movie when I'm feeling sad or down. The nostalgia of Scream is what makes it feel cathartic to me and that's free therapy!

What is the Science Behind Loving Horror Movies?

Psychology studies will tell us that individuals who crave and love horror are interested in it because they have a higher sensation-seeking trait . This means they have a higher penchant for wanting to experience thrilling and exciting situations. Those with a lower level of empathy are also more likely to enjoy horror movies as they will have a less innate response to a traumatic scene on screen. According to the DSM-V , a severe lack of empathy could potentially be a sign of a more serious psychological issue, however, the degree of severity will vary. I do love rollercoasters, but I also cry when I see a dog that is just too cute, so horror lovers aren't necessarily the unsympathetic robots that studies want us to be. Watching horror films can also trigger a fight-or-flight sensation , which will boost adrenaline and release endorphins and dopamine in the brain. Those chemicals being released make the viewers feel accomplished and positive, relating back to the idea that watching horror movies is cathartic for viewers.

Anyone who reads and studies research knows that correlation does not imply causation, but whether King's perspective is influenced by his position in the horror genre or not, psychology and science can back up the real reasons why audiences love horror movies. As a longtime horror lover and a pretty above-average horror trivia nerd, I have to wonder if saying we are mentally ill is an overstatement and could maybe be identified more as horror lovers seeking extreme stimulus. Granted, this essay was written over 40 years ago, so back then liking horror wasn't as widely accepted as it is today. It's possible that King felt more out of place for his horror love back then and the alienation of a fringe niche made him feel mentally ill. Is King onto something by assuming that everyone has mental illness deep down, or is this a gross overestimation of the human psyche? The answer likely falls somewhere in between, but those that love horror will continue to release that catharsis through the terrifying and the unknown because it's a scream, baby!

an image, when javascript is unavailable

site categories

Full Jury Selected In Donald Trump Hush Money Trial

Breaking News

NPR Editor Resigns In Aftermath Of His Essay Criticizing Network For Bias

By Ted Johnson

Ted Johnson

Political Editor

NPR’s Linda Wertheimer, One Of The Network’s “Founding Mothers,” Announces Retirement

Bob Edwards Dies: Longtime Anchor Of NPR’s ‘Morning Edition’ & SiriusXM Host Was 76

“That wouldn’t be a problem for an openly polemical news outlet serving a niche audience. But for NPR, which purports to consider all things, it’s devastating both for its journalism and its business model,” Berliner wrote. He also wrote that “race and identity became paramount in nearly every aspect of the workplace,” while claiming that the network lacked viewpoint diversity.

His essay set off a firestorm on the right, with Trump blasting the network and Fox News devoting extensive coverage to the criticism, along with calls for ending government funding for NPR.

In his essay, Berliner wrote that “defunding isn’t the answer,” but that its journalism needed to change from within. The network’s funding has been a target of conservatives numerous times in the past, but lawmakers ultimately have supported public radio.

Berliner shared his suspension notice with Folkenflik, who wrote that it was for failure to seek approval for outside work, as well as for releasing proprietary information about audience demographics.

Katherine Maher, who recently became CEO of the network, published a note to staff last week that appeared to take issue with Berliner’s essay, writing that there was “a criticism of our people on the basis of who we are.”

“Asking a question about whether we’re living up to our mission should always be fair game: after all, journalism is nothing if not hard questions,” Maher wrote. “Questioning whether our people are serving our mission with integrity, based on little more than the recognition of their identity, is profoundly disrespectful, hurtful, and demeaning.”

Maher herself has become a target on the right, with some figures citing her past social media posts, including one from 2020 that referred to Trump as a “deranged racist sociopath.” At the time, she was CEO of the Wikimedia Foundation. In a statement to The New York Times , Maher said that “in America everyone is entitled to free speech as a private citizen.” “What matters is NPR’s work and my commitment as its C.E.O.: public service, editorial independence and the mission to serve all of the American public,” she said.

An NPR spokesperson did not immediately return a request for comment. The network told The Times that Maher is not involved in editorial decisions.

Some of Berliner’s colleagues have been vocal in their own criticism of his essay. Eric Deggans, the network’s TV critic and media analyst, wrote that Berliner “set up staffers of color as scapegoats.” He also noted that Berliner “didn’t seek comment from NPR before publishing. Didn’t mention many things which could detract from his conclusions.”

Must Read Stories

‘the office’: domhnall gleeson & sabrina impacciatore cast in greg daniels comedy, renewal status report on bubble dramas ‘the cleaning lady’ & ‘alert’, ‘civil war’ & ‘abigail’ battle for weekend victory, targeting $11m each, ‘outer range’ showrunner charles murray: the film that lit my fuse.

Subscribe to Deadline Breaking News Alerts and keep your inbox happy.