The World According to Reagan (Mætenloch)

This is a poster that Zombie of Zombietime found at a garage sale a while back. It was created by David Horsey of the now defunct Seattle PI, and based on the places and topics listed, it was likely published in 1984.

Now this map is supposed to be how Reagan viewed the world, but of course it's actually how the left of the time thought Reagan saw the world. But what's interesting is that given how over-sized (and under-sized) certain topics and countries are, it's really more a glimpse into the left's mindscape with its collection of tropes and obsessions than anything to do with Reagan.

Here are few that Zombie pointed out (plus a few I noted):
1. Disproportionately large focus on Israel/Palestine conflict (with Israel the oppressor)
2. Moral equivalence - 'their' missiles vs 'our' missiles, note that no one is a real threat to the US.
3. Mocking of Britain as an ally - 'Thostaer Land' part of Disney Inc.
4. Republicans have a racist view of the world - 'negroes', 'injuns', etc.
5. Obsession with oil, offshore drilling (and what happened to acid rain anyway?)

What's particularly striking is how familiar and contemporary all of these sound. The world has changed a lot in the 25 years since this was published. The left's worldview - not so much. At least we now know what President Track Palin will be accused of in 2034.

And just for comparison here's The World According to Dubya that was published on DKos. (safe link)

posted by xgenghisx at 05:48 PM

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