Countermapping Sherman Park
Mentor 1
Arijit Sen
Location
Union 260
Start Date
5-4-2019 12:20 PM
Description
In general, mapping is the act of identifying important and influential places, but who is deciding what places are worth mapping? “What actors, resources, or social relations enabled a particular map to be produced? What relations does a particular map enable the reader to see? Or, otherwise stated, what relations of power and partiality does the map itself produce?” In reality, mapping is a tool used spread the mainstream narrative and either, “reinforce or contribute to power imbalances.” Therefore, it is also a means of further disinvesting in places that are not considered important or worth protecting. In return, countermapping is the act of creating a map that ‘counters’ normal cartographic conventions and power relations. In terms of environmental justice, social justice, and conservation, this act is a form of resistance in itself. Countermapping can be used to, “codify, to legitimate, and to promote the world views which are prevalent in different periods and places,” and cultures. Therefore, counter mapping is a means to quantify those perspectives that differ from the mainstream narrative, and, as a result, offers, “alternative ways of visualizing and inhabiting the world.” The method we used to create a countermap of Sherman Park, Milwaukee were a series of resident-led Jane Jacob’s walks through the neighborhood, during which community members shared their knowledge of places in the neighborhood, pointed out significant places, and talked about what they would like to change. The result is an interactive countermap of Sherman Park that includes vibrant homes, businesses, cultural spaces, and parks. Through this, we have learned about the neighborhood from community members' points of view, and seen their world through their eyes. The ultimate hope is that acknowledging valuable places in neglected neighborhoods will improve overall investment.
Countermapping Sherman Park
Union 260
In general, mapping is the act of identifying important and influential places, but who is deciding what places are worth mapping? “What actors, resources, or social relations enabled a particular map to be produced? What relations does a particular map enable the reader to see? Or, otherwise stated, what relations of power and partiality does the map itself produce?” In reality, mapping is a tool used spread the mainstream narrative and either, “reinforce or contribute to power imbalances.” Therefore, it is also a means of further disinvesting in places that are not considered important or worth protecting. In return, countermapping is the act of creating a map that ‘counters’ normal cartographic conventions and power relations. In terms of environmental justice, social justice, and conservation, this act is a form of resistance in itself. Countermapping can be used to, “codify, to legitimate, and to promote the world views which are prevalent in different periods and places,” and cultures. Therefore, counter mapping is a means to quantify those perspectives that differ from the mainstream narrative, and, as a result, offers, “alternative ways of visualizing and inhabiting the world.” The method we used to create a countermap of Sherman Park, Milwaukee were a series of resident-led Jane Jacob’s walks through the neighborhood, during which community members shared their knowledge of places in the neighborhood, pointed out significant places, and talked about what they would like to change. The result is an interactive countermap of Sherman Park that includes vibrant homes, businesses, cultural spaces, and parks. Through this, we have learned about the neighborhood from community members' points of view, and seen their world through their eyes. The ultimate hope is that acknowledging valuable places in neglected neighborhoods will improve overall investment.
