In the realm of literature, the unreliable narrator has long been a fascinating and intriguing character for both readers and writers alike. In the genre of geography, however, the unreliable narrator takes on a unique role that goes beyond simply adding mystery to a narrative. This is because in geography, perception and bias play a significant role in shaping a person’s understanding of the world, thus making it an integral part of the creation of an unreliable narrator.

Perception refers to the way one interprets and understands the world around them. It is influenced by personal experiences, cultural backgrounds, beliefs, and biases. In geography, perception is particularly important as it dictates how individuals view and interact with the physical environment. This can range from the way one perceives landscapes and landmarks to the way they understand social, economic, and political systems.

Now, when it comes to creating an unreliable narrator in geography, the writer must be acutely aware of how perception can shape the character’s narration. A character with a distorted or biased perception of the world can lead to an unreliable and possibly even deceitful narrative. Let’s take an example of a character who grew up in a wealthy and affluent neighborhood. Their perception of the world will be vastly different from that of someone who grew up in poverty. They may romanticize the idea of poverty, or on the other hand, they may vilify it, thus leading to a biased account of their experiences.

Furthermore, a person’s perception of the world can also be influenced by their occupation. For instance, a geographer who specializes in coastal geography may view coastal communities as vulnerable and in need of constant protection. This perspective may lead to a biased narrative where they exaggerate the vulnerability of these communities, even if it may not be entirely accurate.

Along with perception, bias can also play a crucial role in shaping an unreliable narrator in geography. Bias refers to a predisposition or inclination towards a particular viewpoint or belief. In geography, bias can manifest in various ways, such as political, cultural, or even disciplinary. A character with a strong political bias, for example, may portray a certain country or region in a negative light, while a culturally biased character may only focus on certain aspects of a place and ignore others.

Moreover, disciplinary bias is also prevalent in geography due to the complexity of the subject. A geologist, for example, may have a strong bias towards geological processes, leading them to overlook or downplay the social, economic, and cultural aspects of a place. This can result in an incomplete and unreliable depiction of the environment.

In conclusion, perception and bias play a crucial role in the creation of an unreliable narrator in geography. As geographers, we must understand that our view of the world is shaped by our own personal experiences and beliefs, and that can have a significant impact on how we share information. It is essential to carefully consider how our own biases and perceptions can influence our narration and strive to provide a balanced and accurate portrayal of the world. By doing so, we can avoid creating unreliable narrators and contribute towards a better understanding of the diverse and complex world we live in.