PUBLIC OPINION > Beware the Titanic II
SodaHead News
2012/05/03 16:00:00
Clive Palmer, an Australian mining magnate, announced that he would be overseeing the contruction of an RMS Titanic replica, which he will send on a reenactment voyage. Obviously, he doesn't plan to capsize the liner on an iceberg and kill 1,500 people in the process -- he'll use state-of-the art engineering and the best navigation systems money can buy -- but to the extent that it's possible (and safe), he wishes to recreate what the Titanic's maiden voyage should have been. But it's a bit unsettling, no? We asked the public who would be willing to actually board the Titanic II on its first (and hopefully not only) voyage.
This was a close one, but we can't narrow down the reasoning on either side to one thing. There were definitely those who felt uneasy about the idea that Palmer is recreating a voyage that notoriously ended in disaster -- either out of superstition or out of respect for the dead. Others anticipated an exorbitant price tag. One commenter even wrote, "Certain things made in China I would never use, such as a boat." But for nearly half of voters, as long as he doesn't stick too close to the "reenactment" part, they're good to go.
Older People Would Avoid It
While teens and young adults were relatively gung-ho, the older respondents were extremely hesitant. We suspect it had more to do with the appropriateness of it. One commenter wrote, "Kinda feels disrespectful to the memory to actually build a 'Titanic 2.' Not as disrespectful as the 'Titanic 2' movie, but still." (The movie got a 1.8 out of 10 on IMDB.)
Atheists Aren't Afraid
Thought religion didn't make as big a difference as age did, it did play out how you might expect. Not that Christians are necessarily prone to superstition, but you'd be hard-pressed to find a superstitious atheist. And atheists were the most willing to hop on-board the RMS Titanic II. Agnostics, on the other hand, were exactly as hesitant as Christians.
Big Money Bows Out
We saw the issue of money come up a bit, so we thought maybe well-off respondents would be more likely to participate. Not so. Responses were pretty even for most income brackets, but plummeted at $100k+, the highest-earning group. (Admittedly, it was a small group. But isn't it always?) Only 14% of big earners showed interest in going on the cruise.
If you'd like to vote on this question, dig deeper into the demographics, or engage in existing discussion about the topic, visit our poll about Clive Palmer's Titanic. We'd love to hear from you!
Top Opinion
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Mr. Smith 2012/05/03 21:46:06
+8The unsinkable ship that sunk on it's maiden voyage......yeah, let's do that again!
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- Richie T 2012/05/03 17:03:15
I worked on the 1997 Broadway musical; "Titanic" The set was three decks, The bridge flew in from above he deck, The main and 1st deck were on basically an elevator. When it sank: The decks tilted like the decks on a ship would as it sank.. it took almost amount a month to get it to work. The Titanic sank when you didn't want it to, and wouldn't when you wanted it to. Fate? The name is cursed.reply - dennisg40 2012/05/03 16:51:44I think it is stupid but everyone has their own choice in life.reply
- Sig Sauer P220 2012/05/03 16:46:36You would think a man in his financial position could come up with something more sensible to help out mankind instead of reacting a 100 year old disaster ... Help the poor, build orphanages, give money to medical research ... That is what I would do in his position ...reply
- Sterling Sig Sau... 2012/05/03 17:03:43What if he does that with the money he makes off of the ship?reply
- Sig Sau... Sterling 2012/05/04 03:19:16Than good for him ... if it doesn't sink ...reply
- MichaelFRivero 2012/05/03 16:41:21+1I think that this venture will fail. While Dr. Ballard and James Cameron have certainly popularized the Titanic, the fad will fade and without it, it's just a slow trip through the cold to get to New York, necessary before the age of jet travel, but hardly worth it now. Today's cruise lines favor sea lanes with more interesting sites, and have on-board amenities the original Titanic was not equipped to support. So, while I might tour the Titanic replica were it to put into port here in Hawaii, I would probably not bother sailing on it.reply
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