Human Interest

(North America post 3)
Built upon from class today, this article discusses the hardship many Appalachian families are feeling as the coal mining business continues to evolve and industrialize. Although coal was the major 'boom' behind many of these towns, the 'bust' hits more than just those laid off by the industry. Like a chain reaction, other families and their businesses suffer; less income leads to less eating out leads to less income for restaurants, and it goes on and on.  This article is also good at showing that geography is more than spatial and economic: on certain levels, it's also relational, personal, cultural, and historic, giving residents strong feelings behind their decisions to stay.

This video really shows the relationship between sense of place versus economic geography. Even though the town is no longer the rich mining town it once was, the remaining residents still cling to the past and their sense of identity remains strong. It demonstrates that cultural heritage is a powerful factor that can remain long after dramatic economic changes. Even though there are few opportunities left in the town and the majority of its young people leave for greener pastures, some residents still identify so strongly with the area that they are willing to do whatever they can to revitalize their town.

This is relevant to early posts about coalfields in West Virginia.

Geography resources

This article helps give an early start to map skill implementation - even at the earliest levels.

Love this website. Not just this article, but the whole idea. Have a little browse around...

Did you feel it? Australia moved on average 1.8m to the north east a couple weeks ago

Very intriguing!

For use in understanding the placement of businesses in Human Geography.

A great video lesson that gets at the heart of location theory and competition.

unit 6