The issue of geographical labeling in the United States has always confused me. The struggle to make sense of it made my learning journey much more difficult than it could have been. We teach students that states like Missouri and Indiana are "mid-western" even though they are clearly on the eastern side of our country. Similarly, we refer to states like Maine and Massachusetts as "New England" states when they are not a part of England, but America. It is not only a misleading tradition but it complicates student's learning and understanding of their own nation's geography. It is also old and outdated information. All of this misleading labeling dates back to the 1800's, before our country fully expanded West. Back when Missouri was a western state. But we have since advanced and expanded farther West, and Missouri is no longer the farthest west our country goes. We are going based off of false information.

Statistics show that accurately understanding geographical location influences one’s ability to comprehend news stories, geopolitical affairs, and environmental issues, thus underlining the importance of improving this aspect of education (National Geographic, 2012). With better labeling, students will be able to more accurately and intuitively understand the spatial realities of their country.

A simple change could be made to address this issue. Let's start using labels based directly on compass directions: North, North East, East, South East, South, South West, North West, and Central. These labels would provide a real sense of location, free of misleading preconceptions and historical inaccuracies.

This petition seeks the support of all who believe in accurate education in order to bring about a meaningful shift in how geography is taught and understood. It's time we make geography make sense to students and future generations. Please sign this petition to advocate for clutch changes in our geographical understanding and education.