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Griffith Park Research Paper

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As a Los Angeles native, I’ve seen and conquered all of the numerous tourist attractions that it holds many times. Nonetheless, I’ve found a personal favorite in Griffith Park, particularly in its famous Griffith Observatory. Griffith Park is a large municipal park covering over four thousand acres of land that holds not only the Observatory, but many picnic areas, hiking trails, the Los Angeles Zoo, an equestrian center, pony rides, a carousel, and much more as well. I often find myself taking part in long runs through the trails and up the long, windy hill to reach the peak, where the observatory lies. From here I can take in the unique architecture of the observatory itself, a clear view of the Hollywood sign, all of the Los Angeles county, …show more content…

After revisiting this popular tourist attraction with a different, fresh mindset, I am able to support the argument made by Dean MacCannell that tourism is a search for authenticity. While tourists come up to Griffith Park to check off a popular Los Angeles landmark and “must see attraction” from their long list, they are also coming to witness a taste of the “real” Los Angeles. However, this “real” and authentic LA that they seek will not necessarily be found here up in the mountains themselves, but instead in the land beyond and in the people they encounter. Growing up in Los Angeles has influenced my perception of what I consider to be the authentic LA. I’ve seen and taken part in all that it holds and has to offer. I’ve been to the rough areas of Downtown and Compton, the rich, high-class expanses of Beverley Hills, and everything in-between. The so-called “authentic Los Angeles” is something that I know well. Therefore, I take in different details when I go to the Griffith Observatory compared to a first time visitor, and I …show more content…

When these tourists come to vacation in LA, they already have a picture in mind of what they’re coming to see. They think of Los Angeles and may have thoughts of the “Glamorous Hollywood,” with images in mind of red carpets, celebrities, and rich movie stars parading up and down the streets in flowing gowns and tuxedos. They most likely are coming with a list of popular attractions and famous landmarks that they will try to cram into their itinerary. MacCannell says: “Modern international sightseeing possesses its own moral structure, a collective sense that certain sights must be seen.” This “moral structure of tourism” he discusses is how specific attractions are seen as important enough to be a “must see” in a tourist’s trip to a destination. These attractions have been deemed worthy, and in a sense make up what is known to be as an authentic replication of the location. Through this list they hope to experience and witness the authentic Los Angeles. MacCannell states that: “Modern Humanity has been condemned to look elsewhere, everywhere, for authenticity, to see if we can catch a glimpse of it reflected in the simplicity, poverty, chastity, or purity of others.” Yet how can tourists believe that this true authenticity will be found at a place such as Griffith Park? It showcases amazing views of the city, but does not let us see what Los

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