Most everyone I’ve ever met who lives or has lived, in what we generally call the Southern Hemisphere suggest that there is a bias by their Northern brethren (and sisteren), in terms of language. It’s autumn! Except that it’s spring below the equator. I suppose it’s a function of the Northern Hemisphere being about 3/5 water, and 2/5 land, while the Southern Hemisphere is about 4/5 water and 1/5 land. So about 2/3 of the landmass is in the Northern Hemisphere.
But what if creatures came from outer space. Would they see it the same way that most cartographers have trained us to see the planet? Or would they assume that the landmass – Antarctica – we say is at the bottom of the world is actually at the top? Maybe when they draw the maps of that third rock from Sol, it would look like the map above.
I’ve discovered that “South Up” maps have a long history; check here for more information; one can purchase such maps from ODT, e.g.
Those of us in the North probably find the maps disconcerting. It IS uncomfortable being what we perceive to be upside down. Borrowers with negative equity, when one owes more than a property is worth, are said to be “upside down” on their mortgages, a too common occurrence in the United States in recent years.
Being upside down isn’t always bad, though. On various rides at a carnival, or while tumbling, being upside down is what provides the thrill. The difference is that one is righted at the end.
Then there is the pure joy of pineapple upside-down cake.
I have no better ending than the obvious: Diana Ross singing Upside Down.
ABC Wednesday – Round 9