Negative Publicity

Here is an example of negative publicity for the common good.  Yellowstone Park rangers want the public to have a safe engagement with nature and natural wonders, but individuals persist in bending the rules.  They stray from boardwalks into unsafe territory.  They pick up animals that should be left alone.  They feed animals that shouldn’t be fed.  All these activities increase the danger to themselves and to the animals.  By highlighting the negatives, rangers are warning the public to behave.  They know there will be a percentage of visitors who will ignore safety warnings, and these will become the exhibits for those who are inclined to follow rules.  It shouldn’t be that way, but there is no way to exercise total control of humans.  Even if the Park was flooded with rangers, there would still be some who try to get away with breaking instructions.  They are often winners of the Darwin Award.