Mayans predict that a cataclysmic event will occur on December 21 st, 2012 A.D. Scientists have learned of these predictions by interpreting ancient Mayan calendars

 Is it possible that the world will end in a few days or is it an elaborate hoax to scare society?

The Doomsday Genre  A collective approach to a world wide hysteria, a mix of personal reactions.  The fear of an apocalypse is worldwide, and not just a fear of Americans.  New theories on the apocalypse only create a greater fear among the general public.

The Doomsday Genre  As a society why do we create myths and doomsday events?  After December 21 st 2012 will society create another apocalyptic idea that will frighten society, and create revenue for others who will market and exploit these fears?

Three major theories on how the world will end: 1. The magnetic poles will shift causing devastating earthquakes and tidal waves. 2. Solar flares will increase making the planet uninhabitable. 3. The planet “Nibiru” will collide will earth.

Patrick Geryl Survivalist

Patrick Geryl Has written 3 doomsday books Operates a website on “how to survive 2012” Is featured in various videos and interviews on YouTube Is building a survival community that is “A paradise-like civilization”

Howtosurvive2012.com The website is overwhelming and saturated will information. A dark and gloomy feeling is present when viewing the site. Numerous (more than I can count or view) links and videos explaining Geryl’s solar flare theory. The videos are simply pictures with text in front of them with occasional dramatic music played in the background. The videos are not narrated whatsoever. Video lengths are unusually long for this type, ranging in length from seven to twenty minutes. Almost all of the videos have the same statement imbedded into their text “Think about that for a minute. “

Geryl’s Survival Community  A secret “paradise-like civilization”  Built in the Sierra Nevada mountains of Spain at alteast 2,000 feet above sea level to avoid massive tidal waves.  The cost to potential inventors is 50,00o Euros or approximately 70,000 U.S. dollars.  According to Geryl himself “Investors won’t know the location of the survival community until right before the end.”

Survival Community  Geryl claims that he and his partner are trying to pitch their project, and get people interested and involved. Geryl wants to spread the word so he can help the human race survive.  Geryl and his partner planned in 2011 to build several survival communities around the world (I have yet to see any other communities available besides the original in Spain).

Credibility  Is Patrick Geryl doing humanity a favor by trying to help us survive or is this an attempt to make money and create fame for himself?  Why is Geryl a credible source?  Why do people believe in Geryl and his theories?  Does Geryl’s rhetorical ability enable him to easily persuade others?

The End……… Or is it?