(published on All Shores Consulting's Facebook and Instagram pages on 12/10/2021)
Take a quick glance at the image provided. The map looks normal, like any other map we’ve seen our entire lives.
Now, notice the distances shown on that same map. What we have always seen may not be entirely accurate. The continent of Africa looks to be much smaller than the country of Russia. However, when we look at the distances (which are accurate), we realize that Africa is actually significantly larger than what we see.
What are your thoughts on seeing this image? What was your reaction when seeing the difference in distances?
Having shown this image to multiple people this week, everyone reacted with shock and even made statements like, “How did I not learn this in school? “Or “This changes everything I thought of in regards to Africa! “
Images impact our perceptions. Perceptions affect our thoughts/actions.
How might we understand our world differently if we had a more accurate image of the countries in it?
Unfortunately, the vast size difference of Africa seen through our current maps may have influenced the way the world views most of the continent...small, helpless, and inferior.
Understanding its full size helps us better comprehend not just how there are so many unique cultures and nations represented, but also how there are so many climates (deserts, jungles, savannas, mountains, etc.) within its vast landscape. It also helps us better understand it’s vast history filled with early civilizations and world powers.
Whether it be Africa or some other culture, how have images seen impacted your perception of that culture and its people?
How can those perceptions be challenged?
First, look to find more information about the people, their culture, and the land in which they live. Second, find people who have been there and spent time with the people and in their culture and get their insight. Third, and probably most importantly, find people from that culture and get to know and spend time with them.
How will you challenge the perceptions you have created of other cultures through the images you’ve seen?
(photo credit from https://www.linkedin.com/in/travis-adkins-89b5b9117/)
Comments