The Appalachian region of the United States is defined by the mountains which have defined the strong and unique folklore of the region, and provided an economy based on coal that has provided a livelihood for its inhabitants for generations. Though San Francisco does have mountainous regions, it is nowhere as isolated as the Appalachian region, and due to this, it has allowed for much more immigration to the region and thus, diversity.
Appalachian landscape (www.acwfarm.com)
Much less prominent mountains of San Francisco seen in the distant horizon (www.hdwpapers.com)
History's Effects on Demography & Settlement
The population of Appalachia is 94% white, with only 3.4% Black, 1.2% Hispanic, 0.6% Asian, and 0.8% other. This reflects both the culture ad the geography of the land, which contrasts vastly with San Francisco. Since there are no coasts in the vicinity of mountainous Appalachia, neither immigration or emigration have been frequent, and despite emigration which took place in search for jobs during the decline of the coal industry, many returned home. In comparison, San Francisco has easy entry points due to the watersheds that surround it, and many were drawn to the city for economic reasons such as the Gold Rush, or for better opportunities in general, as shown by its large, ethnically-diverse, and foreign-born population. Thus, the culture is more of a melting-pot, whereas Appalachia has birthed a family and community-oriented folklore, with unique linguistic, musical, and foods that are unique to the region.
Musical elements of Appalachia (www.motherjones.com)
John Fogerty is a native California from Berkeley, but emulated the Appalachian style of music. ("You're the Reason"- John Fogerty)
The climate of Appalachia is temperate, continental, and rainy. Appalachia receives the third wettest climate in the United States, (behind the Pacific Northwest and Gulf Coast), and The Blue Ridge Mountains receive the most rain of any region in the eastern United States; 40-55 inches in the western plateau, 30-45 inches in the Ridge and Valley, and about 80 inches in the Blue Ridge Mountains. San Francisco receives much less rain though it is in proximity to the Pacific Northwest, with an average of 21.5 inches. Both areas appear foggy, but The Great Smoky Mountains are "...enveloped in a permanent fossil-fuel produced haze that has nothing to do with the park's 'Smoky' name." (178, Mayda)
Smoky Mountain National Park's hazy quality (www.oletimer.net)
Sustainability
Though both areas have forsaken their natural resources to some extent, The Appalachian Mountains region has forsaken much of their land's vitality due to the constant mining of coal. The profitable and inexpensive material used for electricity, is mined with a devastating process that has taken a large toll on the land and its people causing acid rain, respiratory disease, soil erosion, pollution of water, flooding, destruction of native habitats, and damage to residents' property. Mining of gold in San Francisco caused similar effects on the land, water, and natural habitats to a lesser extent, and over a shorter period of time. Appalachians remain much more dependent on primary industries of mining and agriculture than San Francisco. Tobacco, marijuana, dairy, and other products are important factors of the Appalachian economy, while San Francisco is mostly supported by the financial, technological, medical research, and trade sectors.
San Francisco has made a much more concerted and conscientious effort towards sustainability than Appalachia. Though San Francisco's urban qualities lend it an advantage towards green living, wind farms provide a likely source of renewable energy for Appalachia.
No comments:
Post a Comment