APHumanGeography

How does this information support what you learned in US history class?

The Haitian government and international organizations have identified at least three tent cities that have sprung up in drought-stricken southern Haiti, near the border. Here, the newly returned -- or newly deported -- Haitians are clearing land and living in makeshift camps with no amenities.

Thank you for the article summary, Abby.

There has recently been a huge outcry over the brutal death of Cecil the lion. Cecil and his pride were the big attraction at a local Zimbabwe national park, with Cecil being the dominant male and local celebrity. Recently, Cecil was lured out of the park with food and shot by an arrow by a Minnesota dentist, who had funded almost $50,000 for the hunt. Sadly, that's not the end of it, as Cecil was then hunted down, shot in the head, skinned, and decapitated. Why would someone do this? Well, it's all for a trophy. Trophy killing is a very common sport, especially in these African countries. So much so that African lion populations have dropped 60% in the last 3 decades. This is a prime example of the theme of nature-culture, as Cecil's death damages his pride and possibly our whole ecosystem. Without their dominant male, Cecil's pride is put at risk to rogue lions and other dangerous threats. Sadly, we have ourselves to blame, as the majority of lions killed for sport are shipped to America to be turned to trophies, and these aren't the only animals we're losing because of this. How has hunting for sport damaged our ecosystem? How much have human beings destroyed nature? Are we doing more harm to the planet than good?

Thank you for your post, Eric. Great questions as well. I'm curious about what's being done to stop people from illegally killing animals in parts of the world. Many people exploit the world's fishing reserves in the ocean or at least in areas that are seen as international waters. Check out this interesting article about how a bunch of illegal fishing vessels were hunted down. http://www.nytimes.com/2015/07/28/world/a-renegade-trawler-hunted-for-10000-miles-by-vigilantes.html?_r=0

One of the most amazing landscapes I've ever seen ...  How can geography impact the diffusion of culture?

I believe geography plays a big role in the diffusion of culture of the Brenner Pass. This Pass has a unique history in which it was connected by two major dictators, Adolf Hitler and Benito Mussolini. Due to the connection of these major dictators many cultures in this area are also connected. For example this Pass is located in Italy, but over 80% of its population claims Germany as its first language. In addition, because this Pass is located on the exterior of Italy it becomes a hotspot for cultural diffusion. The reason for this is because locals from Italy can travel to other nations and express their culture by using the Brenner Pass. Also, many foreigners from other nations, such as Austria or Germany, can travel into Italy, using the Brenner Pass, and express their culture as well. This expression of culture can be seen due to the names of the various stations, tunnels, and viaducts. The names of the stations, tunnels and, viaducts have German names which represent the diffusion of culture from Germany to Italy. By examining the Brenner Pass it is clear to see how its geography can impact its diffusion of culture.

Well done! Has anyone ever traveled on the Brenner Pass?

Just recently, Istanbul has released a bomb warning in crowded areas. Some of the areas most at risk are Taksim, Osmanbey, Yenikapi, and Haciosman. The Istanbul Police Department has sent out in pen and paper the threats. But why are they threatening these bombs? On July 20th a bomb went off in Suruç, Turkey that killed 32 and injured hundreds. More are suspected to come. These bombs and bomb warnings relate to the region theme of geography. In Istanbul, a culture has been created of violence. The hub, or government of Istanbul is trying in many ways to keep the land safe and secure. So, will another deadly bomb explode? How will the government protect their citizens?

Thank you for the debriefing, Blaire. Good example for the region theme as well. When we hear about the Middle East region, these are the types of events we unfortunately associate with that place. It is interesting how societies are shaped due to external and internal terrorist threats. Perhaps many of you notice the presence of security as you travel around this summer. Security checkpoints at airports or landmarks reminds me of the cultural landscape theme.

Answer the questions to see how your beliefs match this coming year's presidential candidates.  How does your results compare with the county, state, region, and country?  How does geography help explain your political views? 

The film industry is trying to bring the dangers of advancing terror groups into light. Groups like ISIS are spreading fear and influence across regions like the Middle East, but they are also spreading their influence to places all around the world. Social media outlets have made this spread of ideas possible and able to thrive. Globalization or the interconnection between all of us in this day and age has given us the ability to spread and receive ideas like these with ease. Anyway, important people that run the film industry may realize the importance of this danger and decide that they should spread it to get the audience to realize it as well. It's a case of hierarchical diffusion and I believe that their goal is eventually expansion diffusion. It's all about spreading ideas to where they're not necessarily regarded as widely. I know for a fact that the war on terror isn't as prevalent in our minds as it is in the people that are collateral damage from it. Filmmakers are trying to change that with themes that act like metaphors to the situations going on right now in war-torn areas. These producers and creators of films take advantage of the popularity of the medium to display their ideas and spread them. However, will these messages make their way through to the public? Will they see that the war on terror is sometimes as bad as the films' problems? Will the medium have any effect on the progress we make with ridding the world of these groups of terror?

You got it. The film industry has certainly been a vehicle for globalization. We tend to trust ideas from those we admire and respect or from mediums such as Youtube that are easily accessible. Invisible Children came out with a Youtube video a few years ago about the African war lord, Joseph Kony. https://youtu.be/Y4MnpzG5Sqc How might something similar be created about ISIS?

Yes, I remember this video. I had watched it when it had caught so much traction. I think a huge difference between Kony and ISIS is that I feel like not many people really knew about Kony while the news has basically insured that everybody knows about ISIS. When it's a new topic, people may be more interested in finding out more about it, like with Kony. But I feel like if a Youtube video like that was created for ISIS, it might not gain the same traction because it has been covered heavily for the past year. That's why I'm so intrigued with the hidden themes in movies because I feel that subtlety is the best way to bring forth new ideas without being overbearing.

Great terms in this article from World Bank.

The civil war occurring in the Central African Republic recently affected even a neutral peacekeeping organization in a negative way. This threat have left many homeless searching for a way out. These emigrants trying to escape the war will likely cause traits of their culture to expand beyond the Central African Republic's boarders. Such an event would relate to the theme of mobility as the ideas of those people move through relocation diffusion. These events have also grabbed attention on a global stage as the rest of the world works to solve the conflict that is hurting so many people. A theme of region also starts to appear, when the area where most of the violence is occurring produces this carnage. Where the war rages heaviest people will develop a vernacular region, labeling the area dangerous, and try to stay away. One event in a defined part of the world can have a large impact all over. How will the United Nations respond to the violence? What will happen to the supply deprived people in Central African Republic is the main supply route is impassable?

Thank you for making accurate connections, Christian. Great questions, too. One way to predict the UN's response to violence would be to see their previous responses to conflicts. The organization has made many mistakes (Rwandan Genocide) in the past so I believe they attempt to be as proactive as possible. On another note, as human geographers, it's interesting to observe who is emigrating and where they choose to go. I believe it suggests a deeper story as to what the political, environmental, and economic conditions of the places are. Stay tuned for our second unit on people and migration.

A recent emergency regarding terrorism has surfaced in Tunisia, an African country located along the Mediterranean Sea, after two spontaneous attacks by Islamic extremists, and the effects embody several themes of human geography. To start off, the functional region of Tunisia itself is showcased due to its state emergency declaration, digging of a trench to stop unlawful trade, and implementation of additional law enforcement for protection. Each of these actions illustrate how Tunisia operates within its political boundaries to sustain the well-being of the nation. For mobility, relocation diffusion will decrease as the absorbing barrier of the trench halts people, ideas, and supplies from moving across Libya's border, but Tunisia will benefit from more security and safety. Fewer vacationers coming to Tunisia also impedes the spread of ideas. On the other hand, people emigrating from Tunisia, as mentioned in the article, have increased relocation diffusion by taking their knowledge to new locations, and expansion diffusion has escalated as people rapidly spread news of the attacks. Since the Group of 7 industrialized nations met to discuss the Islamic terror threat, globalization is taking place because multiple countries are interconnected by a foreign problem and are seeking a solution; this resembles the mission of UNICEF in "A Long Way Gone", as do the people fleeing danger like Ishmael did. It is interesting to note that the countries participating in the interactions are industrialized, for they have the technology to provide fast communication and effective actions. Tunisia even asked Western countries specifically for help due to their high development. I believe the gruesome acts were unnecessary and require the proper counteraction, so I am glad these nations are gathering. What will nearby nations do to accommodate refugees socially, politically, and economically? Why might the cultural landscape change to prevent events of this nature?

Excellent analysis. Great work connecting the themes to your selected current event and book. Terrorism is an enormous threat to every country, including industrialized core nations like the Group of 7. Does anyone know why terrorists, and specifically, Islamic extremists such as those associated with ISIS or Al Qaeda, even commit acts of terror on citizens?

Why do your teachers ask you to text mark, annotate, etc. while you read? Check out this article. 

They want us to be able to analyze what we read - not to just place it in the context of the story, but to make connections, look for symbols, etc. Thar way, the text gains a deeper meaning instead of 'we're reading this just because it's a book we were told to read', it's we're reading this because it's an excellent example of symbolism and character development - which you might not pick up on unless you were analyzing the text. Suddenly, a book you were told to read has more meaning because now you know why you are reading it and why it is important to your education. Like how we have to look for the themes of geography in our books. If we were just reading the book, I would be done faster, but I would wonder why, exactly, was this book going to be important for my continuing education. This makes me pay attention to details and make connections to the textbook section you gave us. Education fascinates me because it is so important, yet people have so many different views on how everything should be done and whether or not the current system works.

Thank you for your insight, Maddie. I agree! Reading with a purpose helps build our framework as to what should be gained from the book. Annotations help document thoughts and ideas on our mind so we don't forget, too. Happy reading to all.

Why would Japan, and any nation, want to extend their military's overseas role?  How did this story connect with the recent (and proposed) nuclear deal with Iran?

Why would countries like The Philippines or China be so concerned about names given to locations on Google Maps?

As seen before, the effects of war can be physically and mentally gruesome as spontaneous acts of violence unravel extreme havoc to numerous civilians. In fact, recent violence has caused insurmountable refugees (mostly Syrians, Afghans, and Eritreans) to leave their homes and embark on a journey to Europe for their safety. This portrays the example of mobility as large amounts of people are leaving their homes in hopes of a better future. This is an example of relocation diffusion. As stated on page 11 of the textbook reading, relocation diffusion brings the ideas and practices of the migrant(s) to a new region. Furthermore, this mimics the events of Ishmael (the protagonist) in the memoir, A Long Way Gone, as he leaves his nation of Sierra Leone to live a safer life in New York City. Along with mobility, the geographical theme of globalization is also represented in the article. As the number of refugees crossing the Mediterranean increased, the European Union decided to distribute the thousands of refugees across its 28 nations. As a result, the European Union itself is an example of globalization as they communicate and connect with its members. All 28 countries are connected with one another, and they communicate to solve problems regarding peace, human rights, and economic development in Europe. Moreover, nations with a greater access to technology and communication (such as the members of the European Union) have a much better chance of establishing global connections because of the resources they have. Thus, this sudden rise of refugees migrating into European nations is correspondent to the themes of mobility and globalization. However, how does the increase of migrations affect the European nations bordering the Mediterranean? What economic problems will arrive with the increase of labor and population? How will the core-periphery pattern of formal regions, in regards to Syrian culture, change as many of its civilians depart?

Nicely done, Sam. Good job weaving the current event into themes from your book. The current migration flows n the Mediterranean region have tremendous political, economic, and social implications. How do you think the cultural landscape of European countries such as Norway or Germany might change as a result of recent migration flows?

I believe as the number of cultural groups migrate, they will bring their cultural characteristics to the new region. One of them, most likely, is religion. This might affect the landscape because religious shrines or temples will now be incorporated in European nations. In turn, it will definitely diversify the architectural styles seen in the new region.

President Barack Obama is visiting Kenya later this month and the Evangelical Alliance of Kenya is urging him not to speak about gay rights while he is there. The low turnout shows that the region boundary of legal gay marriage and support for it is expanding. What are other regions that are currently expanding or have been expanding recently?

This is another interesting current event. It also reminds me of hierarchal diffusion or the spread of ideas by a powerful person or group.

Earlier this week an unnamed space rocket, launched by SpaceX exploded just minutes after the launch. The purpose for this rocket, named Dragon, was to conduct a resupply mission for the International Space Station. Dragon's cargo included 2 tons of goods, including 1,500 pounds of food and provisions for the crew. It was not clear what caused this rocket to fail after launch but an investigation will be conducted very soon. This event relates to two major themes in Human Geography. The first theme is Globalization. Globalization represents the modern technological age, in which improved worldwide transport and communication allowing for the instantaneous diffusion of ideas and innovations as seen on page fourteen in the Themes Of Human Geography Textbook. By launching the rocket into space, SpaceX is improving communication between other nations that are using the International Space Station. Also, this rocket would have accelerated the technological age by providing influential information and hardware. In addition, this current event relates to the theme of Cultural Landscape. Cultural Landscape explains what a region or area actually looks like in relation to its physical features. Even though space is a foreign place to us humans it has its own Cultural Landscape, such as stars and galaxies. Thus this small rocket, loaded with supplies, can aid researchers in the Space Station acquire more information of the Cultural Landscape in space. In conclusion, Dragon's crash has been a very popular current event and relates to two various themes of Human Geography, including Globalization and Cultural Landscape.

Excellent analysis. Thank you! Here is an interesting resource from NASA about their attempt to map Mars (http://www.engadget.com/2015/07/10/nasa-mars-trek/).

One of the most prominent current events at this point in time is the legalization of gay marriage nationwide. This ruling has caused both celebration and controversy, as several individuals view homosexuality and traditions quite differently. This plays into the geographical theme of cultural landscapes, as the main opposition of this new law consists of conservatives (in the article, it is noted that the more liberal justices were the ones in strongest support). The conservative view is due to the idea of a traditional family. As the textbook reading says on page 23, the ideal lifestyle-- or the typical suburban middle-class American family-- was to consist of a mother, a father, and children. Some think this should be upheld, whether it be for the sake of religion, homophobia, or tradition. Therefore, this new legalization is closely associated with the idea of a cultural landscape. However, how does the fourteenth amendment exactly relate to this issue? The amendment was created for former slaves, and while it applies to everyone, how does it specifically affect marriage when it addresses most directly citizenship rights and basic equality? The basic benefits marriage will hold for these couples are a good thing, yes, but will they no longer be discriminated against? In fact, will this worsen prejudice of those who were very strongly against the idea?

Thank you for your intuitive analysis, Reagan. You're accurate in suggesting that the cultural landscape theme connects to the recent Supreme Court ruling. What individuals in society care for and what they take care of translates into how they organize the space around them. Which regions in the county, state, and nation would you most likely find those strongly against the recent Court ruling? Are some areas of the state or nation more conservative than others?

Did you know that Wilbur Zelinsky, author of the Zelinsky Model, taught at Penn State?

How can GIS and Census data be used to understand the story of Harrisburg better?