Cartographers for Social Equality

The world is full of remarkable groups set on propagating “the most important thing,” or the “thing that has been most neglected,” or indeed: “the thing that is most ludicrous.”

But the extraordinary action group of lobbyists known as The Cartographers for Social Equality do not seem to immediately fit into any category (well, maybe they do…). Perhaps, say you, the supposition that Cartographers are at all connected to Social Equality is completely inane and that Tim (I, me, the author) is merely waxing ridiculously about in regard to some peculiar episode of that one television show (The West Wing). Ah, but you do me injustice…

If you actually spend the time to think about it (after all, you are reading this post) you might come to see that Cartography, Social Equality and Justice are intimately connected. Apparently this group of remarkable Cartographers is deeply concerned about the tremendously detrimental impact brought about by Western Imperialism, notions of capitalist Elitism, and a pervasive cultural hubris. These atrocities, or Social inEqualities, are reflected largely in the visual representation of MAPS.

Supposedly Europe has been portrayed as far bigger than it actually is (in some sort of historic Cartographical attempt to marginalize the non-West); and another significant problem is the arbitrary selection and portrayal of North and South. Europe and North America have always been shown as on top–a nefarious subterfuge designed to intimidate and supress the minions to the South… These are the horrific evils that have pricked the Cartographers of Social Equality deeply in the heart.

So, the arguments seem plausible (perhaps you would merely agree you’ve seen other things as bizarre), but are the Cartographers for Social Equality real? Well, perhaps that isn’t exactly the point…

I propose starting a regional chapter: who could pass up joining such a remarkable group with such an extraordinary name? Imagine the the slogans and t-shirts we could create, imagine all the rock-band spin-offs, imagine…

Maps designed with these things in mind have actually been made. You can see several revisionist Maps here (click New Map Resources & look at Maps 3, 4)