I hsve a hard time understanding this reading: "Mediating Infanticide" by Charles Briggs. I do not understand what he is arguing! What is communicable cartography in Briggs' terms?
This is the section you're referring to.
"Stories about violence – whether narrated by police, reporters, judges, activist working on behalf of the accused, or anthropologist – work, according to Briggs, because of "communicable cartographies." Operating as a mode of symbolic domination, communicable cartographies create subject positions and organize them on moral maps, severely limiting the range of possible, thinkable responses."
http://www.culanth.org/articles/111-mediating-infanticide-theorizing-relations
Briggs was saying that communicable cartographies are like moral maps on which values are specifically placed. These "maps" make it nearly impossible to think logically.
Thank you!
You're welcome.
To understand Charles Briggs' argument in "Mediating Infanticide," it's important to break down the key concepts and terms he uses. Let's start with "communicable cartography."
1. Begin by reading the entire passage where Briggs discusses "communicable cartography" within the context of his argument. This will provide you with insights into how he uses the term.
2. Pay attention to the surrounding text and look for any clues provided by Briggs. Look for hints about how "communicable cartography" relates to the broader topic he is discussing, which is likely infanticide.
3. Use a dictionary to find the definitions of the individual words within "communicable cartography."
- "Communicable" typically refers to something that can be transmitted or shared.
- "Cartography" generally means the study or practice of making maps.
4. Based on the definitions, attempt to draw connections between these terms and the broader topic. Ask yourself questions like: How could mapping or sharing information relate to infanticide? Is Briggs suggesting a metaphorical use of cartography to explain a concept related to his argument?
5. If after these steps you're still having trouble understanding Briggs' specific definition of "communicable cartography," consider seeking additional sources. Look for academic critiques, articles, or discussions about Briggs' work where scholars may have unpacked or explained his use of the term.
Remember, understanding complex texts often requires careful reading, analysis, and sometimes seeking additional resources to gain a deeper understanding.