For this week’s blog post, I chose to look at the Digital Harlem Map. This mapping project looks closely at the lives of African Americans living in Harlem, New York. This mapping project looks at events from 1915-1930’s and looks at different events during this time period. Alongside simple pinpoints of locations, the website provides a brief summary of each event and why it was important during these 15 years.
This map is laid out to be accessible and easy to follow. The map is split up into important events and keywords. Some of these events/ keywords include: churches, sports, number of arrests, January 1925, nightlife, etc. Also, there are names of different individuals that are placed in these categories as well. Upon clicking on an event, a brief summary and description of each event comes up on the left hand side. In addition, the map and what is pinpointed changes based upon the events. In addition, the different individuals that were highlighted within this mapping project is not limiting. They include information on a teenager, laborer, single parent, etc. Being exposed to different backgrounds provides a deeper level of exposure and background. This allows us to be more in touch with the reality of what was happening during this time period.
I believe that this mapping project is perspectival and subjective. The information that is provided on this map allows viewers to feel connected and immerse into the history and culture during this time period. We are able to understand the lifestyle of African Americans who lived in Harlem, New York. In addition we need to recognize that the experiences of each person is not the same making it subjective.
I enjoyed looking through this mapping project because it provided content that was not too overwhelming. It provided enough information that I felt that I was able to soak in these facts and really learn about the history and culture during this time period. One thing that I wished this map had was more pictures to be incorporated with the written portion of each summary. In addition, I’m not very sure if the map was very helpful to me. I was initially confused on what it was referring to and there just seemed to be a mass of points all in one area that made it hard to navigate through and look at. But overall, I felt that I enjoyed looking through this mapping project!
I liked how you explained the terms perspectival and subjective. It adds more depth to your analysis. I also agree that when first looking at the maps, the numerous amount of data points was just overwhelming. After looking at the maps for a while I was able to understand it, but it is true that the maps can be more user-friendly.