https://www.vox.com/2014/8/26/6063749/38-maps-that-explain-the-global-economy

The chart above is a breakdown of each countries main export, and summaries how the global economy is broken down. I find this chart interesting because it shows the distinctions between industrialized nations and developing nations very plainly but effectively. You can notice how the largely developed nations in North America, Western Europe, and Eastern Asia export goods that are consumer-based with fixed costs. Then you can see how many of the developing nations, largely in South and Central America, Central Asia, and Africa rely heavily on natural goods that are used primarily by developed nations. It’s a simple graph, but it shows the real distinction between the two and also sheds light on the issue of developed nations taking advantage of developing nations for their natural resources. We can use the example of De Beers and the diamond market where they control 80% of the global diamond supply. They have bought out huge diamond mines and Africa, and are notorious for violating workers’ rights and child labor laws.

In connection to the reading from class, this graph derives its data from the CIA Factbook. We can assume that majority of these figures are correct, however, there is much uncertainty if certain countries published their figures honestly. Data is so easily manipulated and can easily be amended to show a different intended perception. Many of the times, we must rely solely on reliable sources in order to ensure that the figures that are being represented are in fact honest. That being said, the graph above is honest in its projection of showing major exports. It doesn’t attempt to portray a certain argument and is completely informational. I think the largest issue that we typically see of data being skewed is for political reasons – especially on social media.  There are so many times where I see people post a graph on their story advocating for a certain cause. Sometimes, not always, these figures are derived from unreliable sources, yet these graphs are constructed in a manner that is visually appealing that it alludes the reader to respond positively to it.