Why Geography Matters More Than Ever Analysis

In an increasingly global world geography matters now more than ever. With so many groundbreaking technological advances within the last 50 years the world is rapidly evolving into a more interconnected and codependent society. These strides of advancement not only allow for international business interactions, but it allows instant communication to make business more cohesive. As a more interconnected society it is important for every person to understand the locations and cultural motivations of the people they interact with. These subject matters are suggested and discussed in “Why Geography Matters…More Than Ever!”
The main ideas presented in “Why Geography Matters…More Than Ever!” revolve around what exactly geography is, and the implications of the subject. Geography is the study of the physical world and human actions, it also covers the affects of human actions. Geography influences a plethora of topics and geographers do research on numerous subjects. “Geographers do research on glaciations and coastlines, on desert dunes and limestone caves, on weather and climate, even on plants and animals”(7). The author stresses how underrated geography is the present times, and how the introduction of social studies have doomed the subject of geography for future generations. In a section detailing the teaching of geography

with other subjects,and calling it social studies the author stated, “ geographers knew what this would mean and what it would eventually cost the country. The use the knowledge of maps would dwindle. Environmental awareness would decline. Our international outlook would erode. Our business people, politicians, and other would find themselves out of disadvantage in the rapidly shrinking, ever more interconnected -and competitive- world” (20). The overall attitude towards geography has deteriorated and this will negatively affect future generations and their understanding of the world.
Geography’s impact on someone’s life is tremendous. An understanding of geography provides a stable background for which to base all decisions in life. Where you live and work, and why you choose to live and work there, relates to geography, as well as many other things. An understanding of geography largely and noticeably impacted lives of people in Thailand. A Young schoolgirl while vacationing there recognized the signs of a tsunami and alerted the many unsuspecting beach goers of the impending danger. The knowledge she’ll learned in geography class saved over 100 lives in that instance(15). Geography helps people gain an understanding of situations, cultures, and peoples around the world. With this knowledge comes a greater understanding of the world and an understanding of the world is essential in today's world.
The overall lack of knowledge pertaining to geography possessed by the standard American citizen is disturbing and appalling. Geography is important to understand on at least a basic level, and to know that even people in positions of power lack that knowledge is disconcerting. During Reagan’s presidency, he travel to Brasilia the capital of Brazil and announced himself please to be in Bolivia (22). Even presidents, the people in charge of making important decisions concerning their citizens and their livelihood, don’t know geography. This excerpt also introduces new ideas to consider. Geography is a vast of subject and the jobs available from within the area are extensive. “ There are literally dozens of fields of specialization in geography…Cultural geography, biogeography, geomorphology, and more”(13). Geography is such an all-inclusive, highly misinterpreted subject.
Conclusively, the subject area of geography encompasses many smaller points of interest and is immeasurably important to everyone.

Society without geography wouldn't be much of a society at all, and if the knowledge continues to dwindle the people without the knowledge will be at a severe disadvantage. “ I witnessed firsthand how important it was that Americans understand geography and the world around them. Since then, as countries have become even more interconnected, the need has grown” (17). Geography will always be crucial to understand and everyone should make an effort to learn the basic principles for themselves and the future

generations.