Lecture Notes: Hands Across America

Introduction to American Travel Preferences

• 40% of Americans have never left the US.
  • US offers diverse environments: deserts, snowy mountains, cities, forests, Disneyland.
  • Reduced necessity to travel abroad.

Hands Across America Event

• Date: Sunday, May 25th, 1986.
• Purpose: Public fundraising event by USA for Africa.
• Goal: Create a 4,000-mile human chain from coast to coast in the US.
  • Aim to raise $50-100 million for charity.
• Organizers: USA for Africa, known for "We Are the World" single.

Event Organization

• Planning: Took 400 staff and 9 months.
• Publicity: Released a song for event, but not very successful.
• Super Bowl: Hands Across America commercial aired instead of a performance.

Participation and Challenges

• Participants: Around 6 million Americans.
• Donation: $10 to reserve spot, additional for commemorative items.
• Route: New York to West Coast.
  • Protests from cities left out.
  • Other events: Hands Across Hawaii, Massachusetts followed suit.

Event Day Highlights

• Celebrities: Bill Clinton, Yoko Ono, Ronald Reagan.
• Unique Locations: Inmate participation at Rahway State Prison, underwater hand-holding in Maryland.
• Issues: Gaps in chain due to climate and logistical challenges filled with banners, ropes.
  • Overcrowding in cities caused some parts of chain to be 10 people wide.

Outcome

• Duration: 15 minutes.
• Songs: America the Beautiful, We Are the World, Hands Across America song.
• Fundraising: Raised $34 million; only $15 million after expenses.
• Public Perception: Mixed reactions; some protests over participation.

Conclusion

• Reflection: Event faced logistical challenges but aimed to unite for a charitable cause.
• Legacy: Showed American spirit of unity despite divisions.
• Mention of video content related to similar charity events and invitation to subscribe.