Ebola

                    Does Where You Live Affect How You Live?

The geographic themes of Movement and Region/Location prove that geography sometimes is destiny because in Western Africa, it is nearly impossible not to catch the Ebola Virus. In Western Africa, the Ebola epidemic is continuing to spread, killing thousands and wiping out entire towns in its path. There are ways that the spread can be slowed, and some people can be protected, however for the Africans right now, geography is destiny.

One of the main reasons in which I believe that geography is destiny is the geographic theme of Movement. Movement, in the Ebola scenario, can be depicted in several different ways. In one article, it states that Ebola is spread through human interaction. For example, when you go to hug someone who may not know they have already contracted Ebola, you would inevitably end up with the disease as well. “Also, Ebola can be moved through contamination of items such as public restrooms, trains, cabs, and other public places where anyone with the disease could have contaminated the surroundings.” (Unknown Title, All African Global Media) 

 In a place as infected as Western Africa, it is basically inevitable to catch the disease. Plus, “once infected citizens catch Ebola, they are transported to an isolated facility to be cared for. Imagine all the sickness, and to be a doctor or care worker at the facilities would be very risky (The New York Times, “From Bad to Worse With Ebola”). Also, before the law was issued that citizens from Africa could not travel to other areas, many people from the infected parts of Liberia made their way to other parts of Africa and other regions to try and escape the spread of the disease, however the movement of these people only made it worse. “Now other regions of Africa including Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Guinea, and more are suffering from Ebola as well.”  (The New York Times, “From Bad to Worse With Ebola”)

The second geographic theme that I think proves that geography is destiny is Region/Location. Region and location play a large role in geography being destiny. For example, if there was a place that had some sort of major issue like Ebola, then the people living there may move. 

However, in this case, those living in Africa currently are legally not allowed to travel outside the region in case the Ebola spread even further. For the Africans in that situation, geography is destiny. America is a far more technically, medically, and governmentally advanced country than any of those in Africa. In Africa, they do not have as many medicines and cures for diseases and illnesses as we do, therefore the chances of dying from disease and illness are higher than those in America. (“Build Hospitals Capacity”, Africa News Service 2014) 

In one article, it briefly explained how the locations affect the people living there. In a very unsanitary, poor area without proper medical care, the people living there are more likely to catch disease and infection. (“Facts and Fantasy About Ebola Virus” Author Unknown) Also, it depends on the climates and physical characteristics of the region as well. This proves that geography is destiny because where you live impacts your life more than you may believe.