Defining Maps and Chicago Inequality

Krygier and Wood offer a unique perspective to defining and analyzing maps, saying that rather than representations, maps are propositions. This offers an element of choice in defining maps. Choice leads to an added element of isolated perspective, as it is impossible to truly represent and depict a certain place through a map, which explains how maps are related to the world it depicts.

Learning more about the folded map project reinforced aspects I was already aware of that are present in Chicago. Seeing it in a visual form, as is depicted in the folded map project offer a striking approach which is hard to ignore. There is a clear and blatant inequality present in Chicago, which can be depicted through comparing the same streets on the North and South sides. The folded map project offers and clear and undeniable depiction of Chicago segregation, which furthers my understanding of the inequalities present in the city.

Because of the complexity of places, especially cities, it is inevitable that maps are political. Unknowingly, maps depict political divide, such as the North and South in the United States. More specifically, maps of Chicago hold the many issues the city does, as it is a proposition and perspective of the city. Territory is complex, and will always be political, resulting in different depictions in maps which reflect this complexity. This weeks readings offer an overall theme which has presented throughout the course, that walking is much more than we think.

(Word Count: 245)

Field Notes

There are many people that look down on city life, stating that they rather be surrounded by a tight knit community, with a big yard for their kids to grow up in and nature to immerse yourself in. I am a big “pro city life” advocate, believing you can get all this, and more, when you live and learn in a city. This is especially relevant in Chicago, which is a city many look down upon for similar reasons, and diving into fears of danger and the unknown. This was something I was thinking a lot about on my walk around Logan Square this weekend.

There is so much which is not on the surface of Chicago, which yearns to be discovered and explored. There is much more to Chicago than gun violence and big buildings. There are many moments where you can discover independent peace, unique to any other place. I experienced this when I was walking in Logan Square this Saturday, with the beautiful fall weather and the sun out. I thought about the many times I have felt relaxed in cities in comparison to more rural areas.

These are all ideas I would like to expand on with my field guide, emphasizing the beauty and peace that is present in a city which often times has an opposite title. Even in neighborhoods which have a bad image and are impacted horribly by neglect from the city’s government and are still suffering from segregation, there is still a strong sense of community and friendship and pure beauty.