In a 1961 paper that was unpublished until 1996, sociologist Charles Fritz laid out the case for his contrary perspective, that disasters and other majorly stressful events don't necessarily result in societal breakdown and trauma. Fritz Who had begun his observation of disasters while stationed in Berlin during the Blitz.

Reported that during the time he saw, quote, a nation of gloriously happy people enjoying life to the fullest, exhibiting a sense of gaiety and love of life that was truly remarkable. With Britons reaching beyond class distinctions, sharing supplies, and talking to people who they had never spoken with before.