CUBA THE PLACE by Gary Gress, NCGE President

This past July I had the wonderful opportunity of being a part of an NCGE field experience to Cuba. The trip included fantastic experts (Drs. Johnny Finn and Jeremy Stalker and our lesson facilitator Amy Stalker). They designed various content and teaching strategies via a daily field guide relating to the places and people we experienced. When I initially envisioned this column, I intended to relate only my thoughts and observations, however I soon realized, as with any place, the diversity of the people and places we visited needed equally diverse thoughts and impressions from other folks too!

Three volunteers without any arm twisting who also presented their insights at NCGE in Albuquerque, will be part of this narrative. I’m calling this article “Cuba the place” and I may add its people. Many thanks to Johnny Finn, Barbara Boone, and Richard Katz.

People in the United States have I think limited knowledge of this island 90 miles South of us. The scope of their knowledge may be from a historical perspective: what they were taught in school or if old enough, was what they experienced prior to and during the 1959 Cuban Revolution, the 1961 end of formal relations, and the Cold War with the Soviet Union. More recently the visit and warming of US relations by President Obama and currently the uncertainty of US-Cuban relationships in the news is renewing attention to this place and its people.

One thing for certain, Cubans are interested about our leadership and future relations with them. They most certainly don’t live in a vacuum and have a sense of regional events possibly more than some Americans do. As Johnny reminded us during our adventure, the 2015 stanza penned and read by Richard Blanco at the reopening of the US Embassy is one of many connections with America. “The sea doesn’t matter. What matters is this… That we all belong to the sea between us”. For Americans, we see Cuba in a “time capsule”. As Johnny puts it, “our narrative is a dominant narrative of separation, isolation embargo, blockade, and distance.” But Cuba is and has been in survival mode, since our embargo, making the best of their situation, adapting, having relationships with other countries and corporate interests.

We saw evidence of China, France, and other countries investing in Cuba and its future via its infrastructure, businesses, and trade. During our travels, we witnessed solar technology, sustainable agri-businesses, entrepreneurial enterprising people, and most importantly the expression of the arts and the prominence of families. It is no paradise for many who find innovative ways to exist on 30 or so government dollars a month, creating “on the left” business opportunities for survival.

Many of us saw the importance and opportunities with US relatives of Cubans playing out in Florida airports as we left Florida bound for Cuba. As Barbara explains “Cuba certainly benefits from the free market in America via their relatives. Upon entering the terminal at the Miami to Havana flight, Cubans were checking in enormous boxes of items for their families, even sets of automobile tires!” Those much needed durable-consumer goods involve a once-a-year trek (vacation) to the United States for those fortunate enough with American connections.

Our travels as a group included a blend of cultural, historical and physical geography, taking in all of the sights, smells, and activities on an up close and personal level. We walked the streets of Havana, visited the US Embassy, and observed the effects of state-led urban and private restoration projects. Additionally, our group visited an “Airbnb”, one of the fastest growing tourist industries worldwide, where we talked to the owner and had opportunities to ply the local markets and enjoy Cuban cuisine.       

We ventured to both urban and scenic rural landscapes across Cuba. Our group visited The Bay of Pigs and a nearby museum, traveled to both private and state operated sustainable farming operations, experienced Karst Topography while spelunking through limestone formations and later stopped at a tobacco farm with the owner personally rolling cigars for us…this is the stuff dream trips are made of. 

Throughout our 10-day journey, our itinerary was interspersed with Cuba’s most important asset, talented people, young and old who displayed their culture through art, craft and dance. My attempt at Salsa was a miserable failure, even though my dance teacher kept saying “you’re doing great! You can do this!” (at least I hope that’s what she was saying in Spanish!)

I think Richard sums up Cuba best. If I may paraphrase,” Cuba is a land of contrasts, producing the finest cigars, and rum, yet struggles to offer their populace [affordable] fresh fruits and vegetables, because it is so expensive on prevailing wages. It is in serious need of urban infrastructural help, many beautiful and historically significant buildings are at risk, potable water, waste [management] and reliable electricity included. Lack of investment, mainly in part by the US embargo forces Cuba to be a cash only society. The people are 

hardworking, confident, ambitious, well-educated and entrepreneurial. Cuba is rich in soil [and mineral resources], K-20 education, medical research and possess a joie-de-vivre that is amazing.”

NCGE “field adventures” will be continued to be offered as part of our programming. As many of you know our trips to Iceland have been as equally popular. As I travel I’m always reminded that people are not necessarily representative of their political system’s rhetoric or an outsiders stereotype. To travel as a participant, not as an observer, is truly life changing.

Time to Refuse by NCGE President Gary Gress

As we leave Memorial Day behind and approach Independence Day, I am reminded that it’s time to take it easy. Summer is upon us! Three words reflect takin’ it easy: Relax, Rejuvenate and Rediscover-these are three things I find difficult to do most of the time, however I’m going make a concerted effort to do this, as I hope you will too. Thanks to recent timely national and international events, I’ve also been reminded of three other words relating to our environment. Those 3 R’s are, Reduce, Reuse and Recycle and I should also add Refuse. Refuse is the sometimes added 4th R, which relates to limiting or not buying products that are known to be especially harmful to us and our planet, such as the excessive love we have with that convenient stuff we call plastic. As these global events unfold, we as geography educators should refuse to accept environmental decisions that impact millions of people, based on the economic or political gain. Environmental policy shouldn’t be a politically partisan issue.

To many of us, it is surprising that America is now one of 3 countries that doesn’t support the 2015 Paris Accord. This wasn’t the first time nations have discussed and made pledges (and sometimes empty promises). Although this was a non-binding agreement, this was one of the few times the United States was going to be on board as a global leader, during a time when many nations truly believe that surmounting climate evidence must not be ignored. Previous administrations, as believed by many, have not truly embraced the realities of climate change. This, in conjunction with a polarized Congress, has created inaction. Sure many of the stipulations in this accord will take years to implement, but this accord seemed to have movement, a perceived new start, a real impetus to change the way we think about life and this planet. Whether the accord is symbolic or not, the good news is that many folks have been, and will continue to be dedicated in various ways to preserving and improving life on this place that we’ve inherited. Yes, carbon dioxide levels are increasing. The many scientists and IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) folks can’t be that wrong.

Is it really an “inconvenience” to face up to environmental truths as was documented and popularized in the 2006 Al Gore inspired movie titled “An Inconvenient Truth”? Are we really bolstering our economy and providing more employment, and not recognizing what the vast majority of countries support? Is it inconvenient to conserve? Are we that selfish and arrogant, thinking that we’re in control and not really part of nature and natural forces? Is Pope Francis wrong in his encyclical’s blueprint? (See time.com/pope-francis-climate-change for the best short summary of this document.) Is the Royal Society, the US National Academy of Sciences and many others wrong? Are 67% of all climate scientists also wrong?

How much climate proof is needed? According to NASA, (https://climate.nasa.gov/evidence/) no genius is needed to figure out that things are changing. Ask the folks in coastal areas, or those that report on ocean acidification, carbon emissions or temperature increase. Ask a Polar Bear about his home! More than ever we as geography educators must get the word out through our teaching and actions. Many US governors and major corporations are speaking out. In the past, I’ve stated that we are an active discipline, exploring, seeking out why things happen, where they take place, and in many scenarios involved with creating solutions.

Even if you have friends or colleagues that are convinced that all of this is some sort of a charade or political conspiracy, perhaps ask them why we shouldn’t conserve Earth’s gifts anyway? A personal budget example may be analogous to this discussion. Would they constantly overextend their bank account, use up all of their resources, declare bankruptcy and possibly never get anything back? What about those kiddos’ that are new members of this world, will there be enough resources for them, and for how long?

This issue isn’t like flipping houses on HGTV, as some of our country’s leaders are recently doing. I hope that beliefs and opinions regarding climate change are genuinely sincere. Our actions do speak louder than words. We should strive to encourage meaningful discussion and actions both individually and collectively. We need to refuse narrow thinking.

If you would like to expand your knowledge on our relationship with our environment and climate, and if you have time, I encourage you to do a little summer reading. You might try a google search: “recent best-selling books on climate change” for starters. Enjoy, and take your thoughts into your classrooms!

"The Comeback Kid" by NCGE President Gary Gress

Lately, I’ve been reminded of the “ugh factor” that the word GEOGRAPHY in the United States evokes in many folks. Forget the word “lately”; there doesn’t seem to be a week that passes where I’m reminded by my peers that geography has an identity and relevance problem for the average guy on the street. How many centuries do we have to endure this tragedy or this predicament? Is this really so? Are we reading the “tea leaves” differently than we should, or in fact is a Geo-Renaissance occurring?

As early as 1843 Jared Sparks the future president of Harvard, called attention to the importance of geography, advocating the subject be part of the school’s curriculum. Six years later The Department of Geography at Harvard University was established under his presidency only to be abolished in 1948. In 1985 National Geographic and Gil Grosvenor established The Geography Education Program and the State Geographic Alliance Network rekindling the importance of teaching geography in our schools. The year 1993 saw the establishment of the “Rediscovering Geography Committee” which attempted “to identify ways to make the discipline more relevant to science, education, and decision-making,” specifically targeting non-geographers. 

Historically, past presidents of NCGE and AAG (the Association of American Geographers), among others, have voiced concerns dealing with “[the] misunderstanding, neglect, state of and relevance” of geography education. So where is the disconnect? We as geography educators and professionals know how exciting and active of a science geography can be--right? 

The “average Joe” (or Jolene) may still need to get the message. We “get it,” our students “get it” once they discover geography, but are we letting others know? We should always be the new revolutionaries and become what some might perceive as pleasantly obnoxious, in certain scenarios. We should inform regular folks when a geographic moment occurs, explaining “that’s geography” whenever appropriate. I vividly remember a “that’s geography” moment while visiting a geo-buddy in St. Louis in the late 90’s. While at a local establishment, after ordering a bottle of Tequiza (a lime-flavored Mexican sounding beer made by Anheuser-Busch in St. Louis), I was told that since it was an “imported” beer, I would have to pay two more bucks! I explained to management that it was “imported” from the brewery just a few miles away and as stated on the label, it was “made in St. Louis.” This led to a surprisingly great discussion about geography with both the waitress and management, even though I still had to cough up the extra two bucks, which was suddenly worth it. 

Another strategy I’ve been trying out is the “what did you say you do?” approach. “I’m a place systems analyst” or “I’m a Geo-Detective” I’ll say, explaining that I analyze places. Many times this leads into how Geographers look at both physical and human attributes, provide factual and perceptual information about places, facilitate understanding, and provide possible solutions regarding the activities of that place. To some, this idea may be a little far-fetched, but I suggest it may be worth a try. 

As many of us do, I always will say to folks that “geography is the why of where,” or as Charles Gritzner so wonderfully stated in his 2002 Journal of Geography article, geography looks at “what is where, why [it is] there and why [we should] care.” Sometimes I will hold my fist up and say “This is the physical stage we’ve inherited: the geology, climate, natural resources, etc.; “When people (Humans) interact and modify that stage, that’s really geography! Geography is everywhere”. 

Geography IS the comeback kid and, we are the change agents. Many students realize that Geography is an integrative and problem-solving science. I believe we are at the right place (Planet Earth) at the right time (the Anthropocene?). Suddenly the Renaissance is already happening thanks to more attention focusing on our fragile environment, the addition of evolving technologies, urbanization, globalization and resource extraction. The demands of corporations and organizations are driving new jobs and new curriculum/course offerings at all grade levels, especially on the collegiate level. As of 2006 Harvard University founded The Center for Geographic Analysis. The Bureau of Labor Statistics, AAG and “study.com” are stating that the Job outlook for Geography and geography related professionals will experience an impressive growth rate through 2022. Interestingly the number of AP Human Geography exams this year is expected to top 200,000! It’s not just students, corporations, and businesses paying attention. More “regular” folks ARE involved within their communities with recycling, gardening, conservation and becoming more interactive with this planet that we’ve inherited.

It’s not your grandparent's or parent’s geography anymore or maybe even yours. Geographers don’t just (ugh!) memorize, we also analyze. Geography is the “comeback kid,” so be a revolutionary and let folks know “that’s geography” whenever possible!