SCALE, SCALE MODELS, AND SKELETONS Keller APHG 2011

SCALE: a comparison of distances on a map to distances on the earth METHODS OF PORTRAYING SCALE ON A MAP: Graphic Scale = scale bar Verbal Scale = written statement Fractional Scale = representative fraction

What kind of scale? “One inch to 5 miles” Verbal scale

What kind of scale? 1:316,800 or 1/316,800 Fractional Scale

What kind of scale? Graphic Scale

Scale: One of the “map essentials”!

When scale is not shown on a map – Beware!

The Week Magazine, July 4-11, 2008

These mushroom spores are too small to see, so we put them under a MICROSCOPE. When we can see them, we can study them.

This planet is too big to see, so we put it under a MACROSCOPE. When we can see it, we can study it.

“Some things are very tiny, and we must use complex electric and optical means (e.g., a microscope) to enlarge them so as to understand their configuration and structural relationships. In contrast, geographical things are so extensive that we must somehow reduce them to bring them into view.” - Arthur Robinson, cartographer

We need to use our... MAPS as MACROSCOPES... to help us think critically about problems and “problem spots” on the world stage.

Scale is Critical to Critical Thinking Using reason to decide what to believe or do. Assessing the authenticity, accuracy, or worth of knowledge claims and arguments. Applying careful, precise, persistent and objective analysis of any knowledge claim or belief to judge its validity.

Format of Many pre-1914 German School Atlases

Comparative Size of Germany and USA in 1914

ETHNIC CONFLICT AND THE CONCEPT OF SCALE Ethnic conflicts abound on the world political map. To understand them, we use a set of concepts: minorities majorities We count and we quantify. Because we quantify we think our analysis is objective. Because we are objective, we reach unbiased conclusions.

What is a minority? “the smaller in number of two groups constituting a whole” - Merriam-Webster OnLine Djibouti’s Ethnic Composition: Somali 60% Afar 35%

SERENDIB CEYLON SRI LANKA

Sri Lanka  Formerly Ceylon, now an island Republic in the Indian Ocean just southeast of India  A British colony since 1796 became independent in 1948  Marked by hostility among its ethnic groups

With about three-quarters of the population, what ethnic group in Sri Lanka is in the majority? A. Moors B. Sinhalese C. Tamils D. Burghers

SINHALESE Language = Religion = Sinhala Buddhist

With about one-fifth of the population, what ethnic group in Sri Lanka comprises the largest minority? A. Moors B. Sinhalese C. Tamils D. Burghers

TAMILS Language = Religion = Tamil Hindu

U.S. News and World Report: August 8, 1983 Headline: “Sri Lanka’s Racial Riots Could Cost It Dearly” New York Times: November 7, 2006 Headline: “Kidnappings Return to Haunt Long Ethnic War in Sri Lanka”

Lion – Kingdom of Kandy Sinhalese Green – Muslim Orange - Tamil Leaves from Pipul tree Are Buddhist symbols

Sri Lanka: 4 million Tamils Sri Lanka:15 million Sinhalese Ethnic comes from the Greek word ethnos meaning “nation” or “life way.” Yet, in our current lexicon we use it not as a synonym for national, but almost as an affront. Within nations exist ethnic minorities.

Ethnic Geography: Who’s the minority? Sri Lanka: 4 million Tamils Sri Lanka:15 million Sinhalese India:63 million Tamils India:no Sinhalese

Religious Geography: Sri Lanka: 4 million Hindus Sri Lanka: 15 million Buddhists India:800 million Hindus India:very few Buddhists

The Buddhist Realm: Sri Lanka:15 million Buddhists Ladakh (Ind.) 200,000 Buddhists Bhutan2 million Buddhists Tibet3 million Buddhists Myanmar50 million Buddhists Thailand60 million Buddhists ChinaBuddhist?

Pattern Probing Using Scale If we are close, Then, we see lots of detail, but may not recognize overall patterns. If we are far away, Then we miss lots of detail, but recognize overall patterns.

“Most issues can be researched at multiple scales.” - Darren Purcell, editor THINK GLOBALLY, ACT LOCALLY!

How does the use of a “macroscope” change your view of the following islands? ●Ireland: Who’s the minority? Catholics or Protestants? ●Cyprus: Who’s the minority? Greeks or Turks? ●Timor: Who’s the minority? Muslims or Christians?

Use your macroscopes to help you understand trouble spots on the world political map.