Maps as More Than Just Geography

In my Transnational Communication class, we dissected the topic of "the nation" as a socially constructed or "imagined" community. This is to say that it is imagined by the people who perceive themselves as part of that group (Benedict Anderson, 1983). To that point, we took one of his examples - MAPS - and mused about them as symbols and logos of "the nation", and thus, tools for defining power relations. 


Here is the map that we are all familiar with (Mercator's projection). It shows the correct shapes of countries and continents, however, unbeknownst to most, size is distorted:

And here is Peter's projection, a more accurate view of the actual sizes of landmasses: 

What differences do you notice? 

The most startling thing to me was the difference in the size of Africa. 

And check this one out: how does this make you feel? it makes me feel weird. Uncomfortable even.

If you like this kind of stuff, check out this site: Ten of the Greatest Maps That Changed the World

If you can, please comment, just to let me know if anyone is reading this silly thang!