Rhetorical Analysis Of Gun's Germs, And Steel By Jared Diamond

In PBS’s episode one entitled Out of Eden of the series Gun’s Germs, and Steel, Professor Jared Diamond attempts to answer the question of “why you white men have so much cargo and we New Guineans have so little.” (Cassian Harrison, 2005) Professor Diamond’s begins his research by diving into history from 13,000 years ago, pre-dating civilizations, during a time period equivalent to New Guinea’s present day. Professor Diamond noted that “because hunting is so unpredictable, traditional societies have usually relied more on gathering.” (Cassian Harrison, 2005) New Guinea continues to be a society focused on gathering. Professor Diamond recognizes the difference of crops and protein sources with the evolution of a society around the world. New
Geography clearly play a distinct role in societal advancement, but people themselves have tremendous influence over a nation. Often developing nations lack sufficient resources, which can lead to a corrupt government which may use the resources to advance themselves, rather than the entire country. (Ann Kelleher, 2011) Clearly, people may delay progress themselves, but developing nations possess enough resources to be able to have limitations placed upon them. Professor Diamond stated that “of course there are huge cultural differences, but they’re mainly the result of inequality…the hand that people have been dealt, the raw materials they’ve had at their disposal.” (Cassian Harrison, 2005) Additionally, New Guinea’s geographical location is isolated, restricting its trade and communication with the outside world. Therefore, Professor Diamond’s answer that geography is the determining factor in why some nations have advanced and others remain in a similar state as they were 13,000 years ago, would explain New Guinea’s current