War is permanently changing Ukraine’s geography. Nowhere is this illustrated more clearly than in the contrast between two of its great cities https://t.co/HYJPswqSJn ...

Cultural Differences & Geography - Cultures are shaped by geography, not just tradition or divine revelation [1] - Different environments (deserts, mountains, cities) teach different values and behaviors [1] - Geography influences community formation and can lead to stronger local identities than national values [2] - Misunderstandings arise when communities with different geographical influences interact [2] - Glorifying culture more than national identity perpetuates division, even in globalization [2] Overcoming Cultural Barriers - Accepting that no culture is superior fosters curiosity and reduces judgment [3] - Viewing differences as opportunities for betterment promotes connection [4] - Connecting with others requires understanding their landscape and avoiding judgment [4][5] Societal Progress - Societal progress is linked to natural resources and geography, not race or intelligence [1] - Access to resources (tameable animals, rivers, coastlines) impacts societal development [1] - Unequal access to resources can create imbalances and misunderstandings between communities [2]

Racial Justice and Mapping - Maps have historically been used to establish and perpetuate racism, and continue to pose risks to communities of color if race is not considered [3][4][5] - Organizations should prioritize conversations about race and racial equity in their work to ensure the safety, health, and prosperity of every community [7] - Colonizers used maps to exploit Africa's resources and enslave its people, highlighting the historical misuse of maps for oppression [9][10][15] - Redlining practices in the US, supported by racist maps, led to segregation and limited opportunities for Black communities [19][20][21] - During disasters like Hurricane Katrina, racial disparities were evident, with Black people disproportionately affected [22][23][24] - Colorblind maps during the COVID-19 pandemic failed to address racial disparities, but some organizations used maps to highlight these inequalities, revealing that Black people were two to six times more likely to die [24][25][26] Action and Change - Change requires action, not just time, in the fight against racism and other systems of oppression [32] - When creating and using maps, it is crucial to involve Black people and other marginalized groups in the process [34] - Maps and policies should be designed to advance racial justice from the beginning, not as an afterthought [34] - The Northstar of GIS promotes mapping practices rooted in racial justice and highlights the work of the melanated and mapping community [30][31]