When I decided to write my independent study on natural disaster relief, the first source that came to mind was a book a read a few years ago by CNN news anchor Anderson Cooper. Dispatches from the Edge is a memoir by Cooper, in which he recounts his coverage of four of the worlds biggest disasters - the tsunami, Katrina, the war in Iraq and the Niger famine. I remembered the narrative as extremely moving, but on top of that, informative. I recently dug up my copy of the book, and begun to re-read the biography. Not only has it given me a strong background knowledge on various disasters, but it has also taught me about the importance of providing disaster relief. It is not just an emotional recollection, but a rational one as well. Cooper manages to blend facts with personal opinion to create a compelling and informative read.
Cooper’s memoir is a great platform to begin my research on. It has provided a solid foundation, and will allow me to look at further information in a more objective light. The subject is extremely moving one, and I feel that if I am to analyze the matter effectively, I have to approach it in a detached manner. The facts must speak for themselves, and I can’t let personal bias cloud my vision. By starting with this piece, I have prepared myself for the wave of emotions that come along with such a thesis.
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