I really like this image, which I found at: http://christianhubert.com/writings/smooth_striated.html. It reminds me of Talmud.
It helps distinguish what Deleuze & Guattari mean by smooth and striated space. Note that in 1000 Plateaus, the point is not to privilege one over the other, but for thought and its concepts to move back and forth between them.
If orthodox Deleuzians force a choice between one or the other, then that’s their business. I know that if push comes to shove, I know which conceptual space I prefer to inhabit.
But isn’t this showing the phenomenon known as “desertification”?
Desertification is the earth reterritorializing the striated space of capital, but as was said already, we must not priviledge one over the other…though it sure is easy for me to say which one I prefer at this moment in history. Notice how the sand in the top center of the image travels through the carved lines of the street, a true assault through the very lines that capital has carved. great image.
I really do nott think that D+G meant for one to be “privileged” over another. In fact I believe they mention this over and over – when it seems they are favoring smooth spaces they are quick to note that “they won’t save us.” (The reference is to rhizomes, but I believe it holds true.)