Abstract

Geography is Dead: How America Lost its Sense of Direction presents an informative and provocative discussion exploring how Americans have become increasingly disconnected from a strong sense of self and an intimate knowledge of their surroundings at various scales. The book argues that America’s own physical geography has fostered indifference about of the role the United States plays and continues to play in shaping cultural, political, and economic landscapes around the world. It also addresses key reasons behind a continual decline in geographic thinking, over time. This includes discussions about changes in the social landscape since the Second World War, the rise of consumerism and credit, the decline of outdoor life resulting from an over reliance on technology and the continuing limitations imposed by the urban built environment. It also examines issues that are reinforcing this problem, like the American public education system, media and disinformation, and the complexities of globalization.