Maps with secret agendas

When we think of maps, one of the first things that come into mind is the Mercator map- or as we know it "the world map".  According to National Geographic Society, maps are defined as "a map is a symbolic representation of selected characteristics of a place, usually drawn on a flat surface". Apart from this source, the definitions for map is very similar. One common trend that is visible is that none of them talk about how accurate a map should be.

Bias is inevitable by a human. The aim and the longing for one self to be the best, the greed the humans possess, all of it causes us to be biased, intentionally or unintentionally. One such cases is the Mercator map. The Mercator map is a cylindrical map projection of earth by cartographer Gerardus Mercator. This map was revolutionary as it helped sailors and explorers with their journeys due to the map's ability to show directions accurately. But there is a huge disadvantage in the Mercator - it fails to portray the actual size of the countries.

There are multiple theories as for why this could have occurred but the most reasoned theory is discovered when Mercator's intentions are questioned. Here come's a knowledge question.

"To what extent political bias in the Mercator map affect our knowledge of the world"

 The Mercator map shows the North American and European continent to be enlarged, making viewers interpret that these two continents are big and powerful. Europe is also located in the centre of the map, perpetuating a belief that Europe is very important to everyone. Greenland looks way bigger than African, but in reality it very small, smaller than the Arabian Peninsula. The way the Mercator map is presented displays the ideologies and biases of Mercator himself. The map is widely used these days and the misrepresentation of facts ultimately lead to wrong understandings by the learners.