Beware the Jabberwock, or, Let's All Do the Techno-Oligarchic Slide

Authors

  • Martin Chandler Cape Breton University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15353/acmla.n176.6750

Keywords:

Maps, Google Maps, Technology, Oligarch, Enshittification, Squidgy

Abstract

The Mutant, in this case, is capitalism. Isn't it always? But to be more specific: capitalism qua capitalism is not necessarily bad. Nor is it good. It's like a gun – guns alone rarely kill people. Unfettered access amid a culture of violence, however, does. Ultimately, then, it is legislation that brings the necessary restrictions on money trumping Good. Anarchy can do so temporarily, as was the case in the early days of the internet. But the lack of a central system of organization or control eventually leads to the centralization of capital, and those with more begin to impose their will in order to further benefit themselves – essentially creating the missing rules in their own interest. The current state of what we generally refer to as neoliberal capitalism has meant a void filled with broligarchs (Cadwalladr, 2024).

Author Biography

Martin Chandler, Cape Breton University

School of Arts & Social Sciences and Map/Data/GIS Services Librarian

References

Cadwalladr, C. (2024, July 20). Tech broligarchs are lining up to court Trump. And Vance is one more link in the chain. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/jul/20/tech-broligarchs-court-trump-vance-elon-musk-peter-thiel

Crunchbase. (n.d.). "Where 2 Technologies acquired by Google". Crunchbase. https://www.crunchbase.com/acquisition/google-acquires-where2--7f71b983

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Doctorow, C. (2025). Understood: Who Broke the Internet? [Podcast Series]. CBC Listen. https://www.cbc.ca/listen/cbc-podcasts/1353-the-naked-emperor

Google. (n.d.a.). "Google Map Maker has closed" [online document]. Google Support. https://support.google.com/mapmaker/answer/7195127?visit_id=638888918194934071-161394905&hl=en&rd=1

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Google. (n.d.c.). [Map of North Rustico, Prince Edward Island]. Retrieved July 23, 2025 from https://maps.app.goo.gl/Kifw4kXWdPVb9NKx7.

Google. (n.d.d.). [Map of Trans Canada Highway near McMunn, Manitoba]. Retrieved July 23, 2025 from https://maps.app.goo.gl/BNupwmutznxEHNce8.

Google. (n.d.e.). [Map of Cathedral neighbourhood, Regina, Saskatchewan]. Retrieved July 23, 2025 from https://maps.app.goo.gl/cp4sVSmeuEgDhqV67.

Google. (n.d.f.). [Map of roads near Grand Narrows, Nova Scotia]. Retrieved July 23, 2025 from https://maps.app.goo.gl/RKjSoeVVSzaGrprt8.

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Published

2025-09-11

How to Cite

Chandler, M. (2025). Beware the Jabberwock, or, Let’s All Do the Techno-Oligarchic Slide. Bulletin - Association of Canadian Map Libraries and Archives (ACMLA), (176), 10–14. https://doi.org/10.15353/acmla.n176.6750

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