The map of the United States of America is an iconic image, ingrained in the minds of people across the globe. It’s a visual representation of a vast and diverse nation, stretching from the Atlantic to the Pacific, encompassing snow-capped mountains, arid deserts, and bustling metropolises. However, the standard image often falls short of truly representing the nation’s complete geography and political landscape. This is particularly true when it comes to Puerto Rico, a Caribbean island with a unique and complex relationship with the United States. Including Puerto Rico on the US map, and understanding its status, is crucial for a more accurate and complete portrayal of the country’s identity.
The Familiar Outline: States and Territories
The standard map of the USA typically showcases the 50 states, each meticulously defined by its borders, major cities, and sometimes its principal rivers and mountain ranges. It’s a familiar sight in classrooms, textbooks, and news reports. This map effectively communicates the geographic layout of the mainland, and, to a lesser extent, Alaska and Hawaii.
Beyond the 50 states, however, lies a collection of territories and possessions that are often relegated to smaller insets or omitted entirely. These include Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, the Northern Mariana Islands, and, most notably, Puerto Rico. This omission, while sometimes driven by considerations of scale and visual clarity, contributes to a broader issue: the underrepresentation and misunderstanding of the complex relationship between the United States and its territories.
Puerto Rico: A Case Study in Complicated Inclusion
Puerto Rico, officially the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, is a self-governing unincorporated territory of the United States. Situated in the northeastern Caribbean Sea, the island boasts a rich history, vibrant culture, and a population of over 3 million American citizens. Its inclusion, or rather, the frequent lack thereof, on the standard US map highlights the ambiguous and often overlooked status of the island and its people.
Why Puerto Rico Matters on the Map (and in the National Consciousness):
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American Citizenship: Puerto Ricans are American citizens by birth, granted through the Jones Act of 1917. This means they are subject to US federal laws, can serve in the US military, and contribute to the US economy. Excluding Puerto Rico from the map subtly undermines the sense of belonging and inclusion for these citizens.
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Historical Significance: Puerto Rico has been a US territory since 1898, following the Spanish-American War. Its history is intertwined with that of the United States, and its inclusion on the map acknowledges this long-standing connection. Ignoring its presence erases a significant part of US history and its colonial legacy.
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Political Representation: Puerto Ricans do not have voting representation in the US Congress. They cannot vote in presidential elections, further disenfranchising them. While a Resident Commissioner represents Puerto Rico in the House of Representatives, they lack voting power. Including Puerto Rico on the map can serve as a visual reminder of this political disparity and fuel discussions about its resolution.
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Economic Impact: Puerto Rico’s economy is deeply integrated with that of the United States. Its inclusion on the map highlights its role in US trade, manufacturing, and tourism. The island is a significant consumer of US goods and services, and its economic challenges have direct implications for the US economy.
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Cultural Diversity: Puerto Rico contributes significantly to the cultural richness of the United States. Its vibrant music, dance, cuisine, and art enrich the national tapestry. Including Puerto Rico on the map acknowledges and celebrates this cultural contribution.
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Humanitarian Considerations: The aftermath of Hurricane Maria in 2017 exposed the stark realities of Puerto Rico’s unequal status. The slow and inadequate response to the disaster highlighted the island’s vulnerability and the need for greater attention and support. Including Puerto Rico on the map can help to keep the island’s needs and challenges in the national consciousness.
The Challenges of Inclusion:
While the argument for including Puerto Rico on the US map is compelling, there are practical challenges to consider:
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Scale and Geography: Puerto Rico is located over 1,000 miles southeast of Florida. Including it on a standard map of the contiguous United States would require significant distortion or a separate inset, potentially sacrificing clarity and visual appeal.
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Territorial Status: Puerto Rico’s unique status as an unincorporated territory complicates its representation. Unlike states, it does not have full sovereignty or representation in Congress. Clearly depicting this status on the map requires careful consideration and nuanced design.
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Design Considerations: Mapmakers must decide how to represent Puerto Rico’s borders, cities, and other features in a way that is consistent with the depiction of the 50 states while also acknowledging its distinct political status.
Possible Solutions: Rethinking the US Map
Despite the challenges, there are several ways to include Puerto Rico on the US map in a meaningful and informative way:
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Inset Maps: A common approach is to include an inset map of Puerto Rico (and other territories) alongside the main map of the 50 states. This allows for a more detailed representation of the island’s geography while maintaining the overall clarity of the primary map.
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Proportional Representation: Some maps attempt to represent the size and location of Puerto Rico more accurately, even if it requires some distortion of the main map. This approach aims to provide a more realistic sense of the island’s geographic relationship to the mainland.
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Color-Coding and Symbols: Using different colors or symbols to distinguish Puerto Rico from the 50 states can visually represent its distinct political status. A clear legend should explain the meaning of these symbols.
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Interactive Maps: Online interactive maps offer the greatest flexibility. They can allow users to zoom in on Puerto Rico, explore its geography and culture, and learn about its history and political status.
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Educational Materials: Supplementing maps with educational materials that explain Puerto Rico’s relationship with the United States is crucial for fostering understanding and awareness.
Beyond the Visual: Understanding the Nuances
Ultimately, including Puerto Rico on the US map is only the first step. It is equally important to educate people about the island’s history, culture, and political status. This requires a deeper understanding of the following:
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The Jones Act: This act granted US citizenship to Puerto Ricans but also imposed significant restrictions on the island’s economy and political autonomy.
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Referendums on Status: Puerto Rico has held several referendums on its political status, with varying results. The options have typically included statehood, independence, or maintaining the current commonwealth status.
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The Puerto Rican Diaspora: Millions of Puerto Ricans live in the United States, particularly in New York, Florida, and other major cities. Their experiences and perspectives are an important part of the American story.
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The Economic Challenges: Puerto Rico has faced significant economic challenges in recent years, including high unemployment, debt crises, and the devastation caused by Hurricane Maria.
Conclusion: Towards a More Inclusive Representation
The map of the United States is more than just a geographic representation; it is a symbol of national identity and unity. By including Puerto Rico on the map, and by educating people about its history, culture, and political status, we can create a more inclusive and accurate portrayal of the nation. This is not just about cartography; it is about acknowledging the contributions and challenges of all Americans, regardless of where they live. It is about fostering a deeper understanding of the complex relationship between the United States and its territories, and about working towards a future where all Americans are treated with dignity and respect. The inclusion of Puerto Rico on the US map, accompanied by comprehensive education, is a vital step towards achieving this goal. It’s time to redraw the narrative and ensure that every American citizen is visible and valued.
