The Unknown Influences of Maps and Power

     By Eloise Preston

Dating back to the 6^th Century BC (Ahmedabad, 2009) when the very first map was created, the popular visual illustrations have now evolved into an efficient way of looking at the world from a different perspective, as we discussed in this week’s lecture “A map is both a shaper and mirror of the world" (Kuttainen, 2015). 

The 1569 Mercator map  is a perfect example of how power was displayed in maps to show and dominance over other countries by simply enlarging the size of their country on the map, this way of showing power can been in seen todays popular social media sites, more specifically Facebook.

Agreeing with Barnes when he states that "Engaging with cyberspace is a form of virtual travel" (Barnes, 1997) in today's day and age we have the ability to connect with anyone from the world or see our very first statuses and photos posted with just a click of a button.  We therefore can see how virtual maps have evolved from a diagrammatic representation influenced by power, religion and culture into an online database where we can easily find information about ourselves or our friends. In relation to expression of power found in the 1569 Mercator map, Facebook also articulates a certain influence in the way of popularity. To some, the amount of likes you receive on a post determines your reputation and worth, this holds a certain power over us that we must conform to the particular standards of the time and place to be considered worthy to our audience. Celebrities personal Facebook accounts that share flawless photos of their day to day life are an excellent example of how power is weaved through social media. Essentially to most, celebrities are role models and have the ‘perfect life’ of fame and fortune, this holds this ideal fame over our heads that if we look a certain way and post similar things like these people we too will achieve the luxurious lifestyle they lead.

 
Overall, with the Mercator maps expression of authority and the never ending Facebook popularity contest we can see how easy maps and power can make its way into its everyday life without us even realising. 

References:
Kuttainen, V. (2015). BA1002: Space: Networks, Narratives and the Making of Place, Lecture 4: Maps.  Retrieved from http://learnjcu.jcu.edu.au

Ahmedabad, V. (2009). Who created the first map of the world?. Retrieved from http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/sunday-times/Who-created-the-first-map-of-the-world/articleshow/1973637.cms

Cavendish, R. (2012). The birth of Gerardus Mercator. Retrieved from: http://www.historytoday.com/richard-cavendish/birth-gerardus-mercator

Barnes, G. (1997). Passage of the Flaneur. Retrieved from http://www.raynbird.com/essays/Passage_Flaneur.html

Image credit:
Stockton, N. (2013). Get to know a projection: Mercator. Retrieved from http://www.wired.com/2013/07/projection-mercator/