by Mercy Rhodes
Image by Suraphat Nuea-on from Pexels
In the article, “How the Fight Against Ebola Tested a Culture’s Traditions,” Amy Maxmen explores the complexities between public health efforts and cultural practices during the Ebola outbreak in West Africa. Maxmen focuses on how the disease is spread and the different challenges that healthcare workers face. The outbreak of the deadly Ebola virus was an unprecedented public health crisis. Maxmen discusses how the local cultural traditions and practices both contributed to the spread of the disease and became a ground for health interventions. Maxmen details how health workers and organizations had to navigate these cultural practices to install effective health education and measures.
Amy Maxmen’s writing is an exceptional piece of journalism, as she offers deep insights into the complex dynamics of the Ebola outbreak. There are three techniques that she used that makes this story compelling: her exploration of cultural conflicts with empathy, her vivid personal storytelling, and her ability to convey the broader implications of the article.
Maxmen’s exploration of cultural conflicts demonstrates a respectful approach to the combination of traditional practices and health interventions. For instance, traditional funeral practices in West Africa involve the family touching and washing the deceased, which significantly contributes to the virus’s spread. She does not present these practices as obstacles, but rather examines why these practices are so important to these communities. By acknowledging the significance of these traditions, she frames the healthcare workers’ efforts as collaborative rather than intruding. It is important to remain sensitive and understanding to build and maintain trust between healthcare workers and the community. Maxmen describes how they were able to work together to modify rituals while also respecting their values. Showing this balance in her writing helps the readers to understand the meaning of her article: effective public health responses must integrate local cultural practices rather than dismiss them.
Another technique that Maxmen uses is her vivid storytelling and use of personal experiences. This further helps to humanize the public health crisis for her readers. Rather than just presenting data, she weaves individual stories into her narrative. For example, Maxmen shares emotional and challenging anecdotes of workers and families affected by the epidemic. By highlighting these personal stories, she engages her readers on an emotional level while also helping them to understand the reality of the outbreak. Her writing emphasizes the fact that this topic is not a distant event, but real stories of human struggles and triumphs.
Maxmen also succeeds in conveying the broader implications for global health from her article. She explores the long-term lessons meant to be taken from the outbreak. She examines the challenges faced and the solutions found during the crisis. Maxmen prompts the readers to consider how future health efforts might benefit from these experiences. She reinforces the idea that a culturally sensitive approach is the best way to go about global health interventions. This way of writing helps her readers to think forward.
This article is an example of impactful journalism. Maxmen’s use of vivid storytelling humanizes the epidemic, her sensitive exploration of the culture encourages deeper understanding, and the discussion of the implications inspires readers to look beyond. Combining these three techniques not only makes the story more engaging, but also shows off Maxmen’s skilled way of writing and analysis.
Maxmen, A. (2015, January 30). How the Fight Against Ebola Tested a Culture’s Traditions. Adventure. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/adventure/article/150130-ebola-virus-outbreak-epidemic-sierra-leone-funerals-1
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