Depending on your political leanings, your expectations for this talk are diametrically opposed. If you are a liberal, you’re likely prepared to enjoy a tirade against right-wing politicians. If you are a conservative, you are probably ready to get outraged by an unhinged leftist ranter. Alberto Cairo, Knight Chair in Visual Journalism at the University of Miami, plans to disappoint you. The very title of this talk is an example of its content. It’s intended to prime you and trick you into believing what is not so.

The English word “trumpery” means worthless nonsense, something that is showy and deceitful at the same time. Trumpery can occur in text, verbally, or visually. This non-partisan talk focuses on the visual, examining misleading charts, graphs, and data maps designed by individuals and organizations from all over the political spectrum. Cairo will use these examples to equip you with a solid understanding of “graphicacy,” the word he uses to refer to visual literacy. He believes a literate, numerate, and graphicate citizenry is the best antidote for a world where trumpery runs rampant.

Sponsored by Wallace Library, Computer Science and Kappa of Massachusetts.