Maps & Visuals

This week’s unit focuses on the importance of visualizations and the design principles associated with them; maps and geography are prime examples of special relationships that provide purposes and viewpoints that influence our worldview. After looking at the Mercator Projection and comparing it to our recent map its fascinating to see how certain visuals can create propaganda and change one’s mindset. The map fostered European imperialist attitudes for centuries and created ethnic bias against third world countries. Initially, it can be seen how the map enlarges areas at the poles to create straight lines of constant bearing or geographic direction, thus making it appear to cross an ocean but distorting the size of nations and continents. The immense power of maps can be used to assert social dominance and emphasize western culture and exert force over the other nations. Peters' map argued that Mercator shows a euro-centric bias and harms the world’s perception of developing countries.

Another interesting notion is the relationship between evolving content that promotes various ideology. Things that are viewed as socially acceptable morph and change as society grows and develops, certain visuals must adhere to these social changes as we progress into a more aware and morally right society.

A great example, would be various Civil War or racist figurehead statues located accross the country that represent racist and demeaning ideologies that don’t allow for growth.

CNN IMAGE: The statue is a Confederate statue which symbolize the role of racism in America, the persistent need for people to proudly display it in the center of cities in many ways embraces white supremacy. Similarly, the need to hold onto an old, racist and outdated map echoes a world dominated by Western culture all while overshadowing third world countries.

SMITHSONIAN MAGAZINE

An example of a racist statue, since removed to echo a voice of change and progress.