Most disaster experts say that, when faced with difficult situations such as natural disasters, most people react calmly and do their best to help others people in need when they can, once the initial shock wears off. This research would have us believe that most people band together and forget racial, ethnic, economic, and social boundaries in the face of devastation. The media, however, tells us that most people panic and engage in mob-like behavior in such situations, and that those who are willing to step in and help in the aftermath of natural disasters are trained professionals of search and rescue. teams, or some good Samaritan. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay In the movie “The Day After Tomorrow” the world faces widespread devastation due to global warming and melting polar ice caps. As all Hollywood films tend to do, this film focuses on a few brave souls (a leading researcher in the field and his family are included) who do what they have to to survive and help others succeed. However, when the viewer is shown scenes of the general public, mass panic and despair are seen. For example, once news of the impending disaster reaches the media and people are told they will be safe if they head to Mexico, people are shown trampling each other and tearing down fences in an attempt to reach "higher ground ". Our text would have us believe that this would not be the general reaction. It is said that most people would remain calm and orderly, and then return to helping others once the initial damage was assessed. In the film, most people left, and search and rescue operations were left to groups (at least in the United States, where the film was primarily set) like FEMA and the National Guard. If an event like what happened in "The Day After Tomorrow" were to actually happen today, I think it's clear that our nation would be thrown into mass panic, looting and crime. This, unfortunately, was demonstrated where the worst of the hurricane's devastation occurred, in New Orleans, LA. There was very little law enforcement in the city and absolutely no outside help, so people were involved in mob rule.