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Abstract

d over the phone like I was?</p><p id="da3a" type="7">How about this: Try to picture Ivanka, the object of her creepy father’s even creepier lust, punching a time clock! That will happen around the same time I start flying jets.</p><p id="709d">Maybe I’m being overly sensitive. I mean, if I could make my own sea salt while basking under the Mediterranean sun, wouldn’t I bleat about it later? Shit, no. I would not.</p><p id="1c29">So you know, the column’s focus was on scent and how it evokes particular memories. Here is the passage that set me off:</p><p id="d741"><i>When I was in Spain this summer, we sun-dried our own sea salt in Majorca, then went to a little shop near where we ate dinner to buy flor de sal harvested from the same Ses Salines salt flats. When I popped open the can — later back at home, my kids shouted, “it smells like Majorca!”</i></p><p id="c3f4">“Gee, kids! How cool is that? Know what? Get outta here”</p><p id="d35c">For those of us who don’t vacation in Majora, <i>flor de sal</i> means Salt Flower. Now, is it me, or is this type of self-important strutting gag-worthy?</p><p id="0c73">I’m not so offended by the message as much as I am by the way it was conveyed. As if the messenger had no clue of the disparity around her and the reality that people are struggling to make ends meet, for God’s sake. Struggling to feed themselves and their families. Working for minimum wage.</p><p id="051d">I get that this magazine is about beauty, not our country’s economy but all I can say is, the salaries must be pretty damned good.</p><p id="22b4">We, as writers, understand that words are powerful and the <i>way</i> in which we say things is as important, or maybe more so, as <i>what</i> we’re putting out into the world. I’ve learned this particular lesson the hard way. More than once.</p><p id="d5bd">Admittedly, I’m particularly sensitive in that I haven’t received an actual paycheck in almost two years. And I’m better than that. Much better, yet I can’t seem to catch a break. So, where someone else might read the editorial and think of it as “aspirational,” I think, “WTF?” Just as I do when I see TV commercials touting luxury automobiles as holiday gifts. What world are we living in?</p><p id="8d58">This is what doesn’t compute: While the editor raves about her kids raving about Majorca, there are other, less privileged children starving in this country. Their parents would love to afford a bus ticket, let alone a first-class airline ticket to Spain.</p><p id="f2ee">A little empathy for others, folks. That’s all I’m asking.</p><p id="184a">According to <i>nokidhungry.org</i>, in the United States, one in seven children lives with hungry. The bigger picture: According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), more than eleven hundred children in our country live in “food insecure homes,” which means the family members don’t get enough to eat in order to live in a manner that’s deemed “healthy.”</p><p id="7845">Maybe the editor should set her cannister of DIY sea salt aside and chew on these stats:</p><p id="1300"><b>Over 4.5 million U.S. kids live in food deserts and lack access to grocery stores with fresh fruits and vegetables.</b></p><p id="742e"><b>On average, children in rural areas are more likely to experience food insecurity and lack access to quality health services.</b></p><p id="7f6a"><b>Close to 1 in 3 American children are overweight or obese, and obesity in children has more than tripled over the past 35 years, putting children at higher risk for serious, even life-threatening health problems.</b></p><p id="a02e"><b>In communities where Save the Children works, an average of 59 percent of children do not have access to fresh, healthy foods; in some areas, it’s as much as 98 percent.</b></p><p id="bc2d">Here’s more self-satisfied bunk from the editorial:</p><p id="c1b6"><i>In (country), last summer, my daughter and I treated ourselves one afternoon to tea at the (uber-luxe) hotel. Now, the scent of not only jasmine tea but also jasmine fragrances brings me half a world away to that fancy dining room, nibbling on tiny sandwiches

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and cakes.</i></p><p id="0408">Again, maybe I’m being unfair and bristly. But the manner in which this was written is offensive, in my humble opinion. Plus, the older I get, the less idiocy I can tolerate.</p><p id="712b">Maybe if she’d included some type of giveaway to the first fifty readers who wrote back via email, describing their favorite scents and what they evoked for them. Jasmine fragrance oil could be the giveaway. I don’t know.</p><p id="7d81">Perhaps this editor should stick to writing about lip conditioners and designer perfumes and the wonders of glycolic acid. Meanwhile, if the craving for a “tiny cake” should come upon her, she could always shove a Twinkie up her bum.</p><p id="444c">I’d like to thank <a href="undefined">Helen Cassidy Page</a> for her input here. She gave me the virtual slap upside the head that I needed. But, sweetly.</p><p id="6d7e"><i>Sherry McGuinn is a slightly-twisted, longtime Chicago-area writer and award-winning screenwriter. Her work has appeared in The Chicago Tribune, Chicago Sun-Times and numerous other publications. Sherry’s manager is currently pitching her newest screenplay, a drama with dark, comedic overtones and inspired by a true story.</i></p><p id="2284">As always, I appreciate your reading. If you’re up for more:</p><div id="974d" class="link-block"> <a href="https://readmedium.com/haiku-how-to-51d0685c1ad6"> <div> <div> <h2>Haiku How-To</h2> <div><h3>A primer for the sexually inquisitive.</h3></div> <div><p>medium.com</p></div> </div> <div> <div style="background-image: url(https://miro.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:320/1*yQwyx3SGkE3-oZlWW1dC9g.jpeg)"></div> </div> </div> </a> </div><div id="654f" class="link-block"> <a href="https://readmedium.com/did-i-fail-my-mother-3323d4907780"> <div> <div> <h2>Did I Fail My Mother?</h2> <div><h3>All the things I should have said, and didn’t.</h3></div> <div><p>medium.com</p></div> </div> <div> <div style="background-image: url(https://miro.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:320/1*IBboE8lKu9O0Q4Ga0aEGhQ.jpeg)"></div> </div> </div> </a> </div><div id="9067" class="link-block"> <a href="https://readmedium.com/the-hot-women-of-medium-c66515ba6bbe"> <div> <div> <h2>The Hot Women of Medium</h2> <div><h3>Smart, funny, gutsy and SMOKIN’!</h3></div> <div><p>medium.com</p></div> </div> <div> <div style="background-image: url(https://miro.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:320/1*sUDy3LYDjjZKQqXsMfyptQ.jpeg)"></div> </div> </div> </a> </div><div id="1a63" class="link-block"> <a href="https://readmedium.com/ive-never-received-1k-claps-b1dd0d9c56b9"> <div> <div> <h2>I’ve Never Received 1K Claps</h2> <div><h3>Wounded…and wondering.</h3></div> <div><p>medium.com</p></div> </div> <div> <div style="background-image: url(https://miro.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:320/1*zAfXUminR_ELCNKW8Ppsgw.jpeg)"></div> </div> </div> </a> </div><div id="11fc" class="link-block"> <a href="https://readmedium.com/its-official-i-m-an-a-hole-347624d73cd7"> <div> <div> <h2>It’s Official: I’m an A-Hole</h2> <div><h3>“Medium Madness” has me by the throat.</h3></div> <div><p>medium.com</p></div> </div> <div> <div style="background-image: url(https://miro.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:320/1*r4v7h4lCPyj7liblwp-GNQ.jpeg)"></div> </div> </div> </a> </div></article></body>

Empowering Representation in Education and Content Creation: Diverse and Inclusive Stock Photo Resources

Challenging Stereotypes and Promoting Inclusivity in Visual Content for Educational Materials

Embracing Intersectional Voices: A Deaf Black man holds a sign that says ‘NOTHING about us without US,’ against the backdrop of a vibrant mural featuring a powerful Black woman—photo by Gritchelle Fallesgon, background mural by Lliam Werproc. Attribution: Disabled And Here. Photo and attribution rights can be found at https://affecttheverb.com/gallery/disabledandhere/nothingaboutwithout under a Creative Commons license.

As an educator in sociology, I understand the significance of representation and inclusivity in visual content. Using diverse and inclusive stock photos is crucial while creating engaging and inclusive materials. This blog post will explore resources that specialize in providing stock photos featuring underrepresented groups. These resources not only help to challenge stereotypes but also empower individuals from diverse backgrounds. Additionally, we will discuss the best practices for utilizing diverse images and their significance in promoting inclusivity.

If we want to create a more positive and inclusive learning environment, we need to pay close attention to the importance of visual representation in educational materials. This involves using images that accurately reflect the diversity of our student population and society as a whole. By proactively creating inclusive educational materials, we can foster a greater sense of unity and belonging among all students. This, in turn, can help break down barriers.

Gladys Mbuya is a human rights activist, defender, and peace builder. She believes in the importance of digital rights as human rights and works tirelessly to raise awareness. Photo by WhoseKnowledge? — Photos. Retrieved from Wikimedia Commons

Introducing Categorized Resources for Diverse and Inclusive Stock Photos

To support your efforts in incorporating diverse and inclusive visuals in your educational materials, I have curated a list of categorized resources that specialize in providing stock photos featuring underrepresented groups. These resources offer images representing diverse races, ethnicities, genders, abilities, and body types. These resources can challenge stereotypes, empower individuals from diverse backgrounds, and create a more inclusive learning environment. Explore how these valuable resources can enhance your teaching materials and content creation.

🫂Body Positivity Representation

All Go: Provides free stock photos that promote body positivity and challenge narrow beauty standards. These photos feature people of different sizes, shapes, colors, and abilities to celebrate diversity and inclusivity.

👩🏿‍🦰Black and Brown Representation

Black Illustrations: Specializes in illustrations featuring Black individuals and groups. Their collection offers a wide range of digital illustrations that can be used in various projects. These illustrations celebrate Black culture, beauty, and everyday life, promoting diversity and representation in design.

Create Her Stock: Specifically caters to the representation of melanated women. Their collection showcases diverse images of Black women in various professional and lifestyle settings.

Illustrate Change: Access a valuable collection of medical illustrations that portray diverse skin tones, available free of cost for educational and training purposes. These illustrations can be valuable for improving healthcare providers' understanding of different skin colors, leading to better, more inclusive patient care.

A joyful moment: A drag queen and her female friend share a smile. This photo captures the celebration of individuality and friendship. Photo by Jacob Lund Photography from Noun Project (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

Jopwell Collection: Discover royalty-free stock photos showcasing Black, Latinx, and Native American students and professionals. These images are free and can be used in any personal or commercial project without any attribution required.

Nappy.co: This website is dedicated to showcasing the beauty of Black and Brown people. Its collection features high-quality images that celebrate diversity and challenge traditional beauty standards.

UKBlackTech: Browse through the collection of free stock photos that showcase individuals from Black, Asian, and other minority ethnic groups engaging with various forms of technology. From using smartphones and laptops to working with cutting-edge gadgets and devices, these images capture the diversity and inclusivity of the tech industry.

Women of Color in Tech stock images from WOCinTech Chat.

🌍Diversity and Inclusion

Affect the Verb: Affect the Verb (https://affecttheverb.com/collection/) is another valuable resource for inclusive stock photos. Their collection focuses on disability representation, providing a unique perspective on the experiences of disabled individuals. From candid moments to professional settings, Affect the Verb offers a range of images that challenge stereotypes and promote inclusivity.

Disabled And Here: Offers a collection of accessible and inclusive stock photos featuring disabled Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) across the Pacific Northwest. These images celebrate the diversity and strength of individuals with disabilities, promoting visibility and breaking down barriers.

The Disability Collection: Provides images that challenge stereotypes and authentically portray people with disabilities in everyday life. While these images are available for a fee, they offer an opportunity to showcase individuals with disabilities in a realistic and empowering manner.

Gender Spectrum Collection: Explore stock photos of trans and non-binary models breaking stereotypes to represent these communities beyond their gender identities better.

A joyous moment: Four disabled people of color with canes and prosthetic legs laugh while chatting. They are seated on a rooftop deck, occupying chairs of various heights, with a backdrop of greenery and city high-rises. Photo by Chona Kasinger. Attribution: Disabled And Here

🗺️Cultural Diversity

Tonl: Offers a collection of culturally diverse stock photos. Their images capture people from different ethnic backgrounds and showcase their unique cultures and experiences. Tonl’s collection emphasizes the importance of representation and aims to provide authentic and diverse visuals.

Illustrate Change: A library of medical illustrations showing dark skin tones designed to improve patient care. It is entirely free to use for educational and training purposes.

👩🏾‍💻Tech and Professional Fields

SocietyPix: This is a collection of photos of people with disabilities from SOZIALHELDEN (Social Heroes), a German nonprofit organization. The images are free for editorial purposes, and a reasonable fee is charged for other purposes.

WOC in Tech Chat: A Flickr account that provides stock photos highlighting women of color in the tech industry. Their images capture the experiences of underrepresented individuals in STEM fields, showcasing their skills, passion, and contributions.

“Go” green pedestrian lights with transgender symbol by Javier Sanchez Mingorance from Noun Project (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

🔎General Representation

Canva Natural Woman Collection: Provides a range of images featuring everyday women who are as diverse as they are beautiful. While some photos are free, others can be accessed for a fee. This collection represents the richness of women’s experiences across different backgrounds.

Noun Project’s Pride Collection: Celebrate the LGBTQ+ community with stunning photos, available for public use as Public Domain content.

PhotoAbility: Images of people with differing abilities, available for a fee. Centre for Aging Better: Positive and realistic images of older people to challenge negative and stereotypical views of later life. Free.

Representation Matters: A platform that focuses on the representation of marginalized communities. Its collection includes images that challenge stereotypes and feature diverse individuals in various settings. From everyday activities to professional environments, Representation Matters offers a range of inclusive visuals.

Lower body crop of an Indigenous Two-Spirit person with a prosthetic leg standing next to an open elevator and its floor-located call buttons. The word “free” is tattooed across their knuckles, and the person holds a cane. Photo was taken by Chona Kasinger. Attribution: Disabled And Here

Best Practices for Effective Utilization of Diverse Images in Educational Content Creation

Incorporating diverse images in your content is crucial for creating an inclusive and representative experience for your audience. It goes beyond superficial diversity and aims to depict individuals' varied identities and experiences authentically.

By selecting images that accurately reflect your target audience, promoting inclusive representation, considering intersectionality, ensuring contextual relevance, providing image descriptions, and respecting attribution, you can effectively leverage diverse images in your content.

Guidelines for Using Diverse Images: Promoting Authenticity, Inclusivity, and Intersectionality

Authenticity: Choose images that authentically represent the diversity of your target audience, avoiding tokenism and stereotypes.
Attribution: Respect photographers and illustrators by providing proper attribution, promoting their work, and maintaining ethical practices.
Contextual Relevance: Select images that align with the context and message of your content, enhancing and supporting the intended narrative.
Image Descriptions: Provide alternative text descriptions for visually impaired individuals, enabling them to access and understand the content.
Inclusive Representation: Strive for a balanced representation of races, ethnicities, genders, abilities, and body types to ensure everyone feels seen and included.
Intersectionality: Recognize and depict the intersecting identities of individuals, considering the experiences of those belonging to multiple marginalized groups.

By following these best practices, you can effectively utilize diverse images to create inclusive, representative content that resonates with a broader audience.

Senior man in a cowboy hat. Photo by Danie Franco on Unsplash.

Promoting Inclusivity in Educational Materials: Harnessing the Power of Diverse Stock Photos

Utilizing diverse and inclusive stock photos is necessary and enriching for content creation. The above resources offer various images that challenge stereotypes and empower underrepresented communities. By adopting best practices and incorporating diverse photos, we can create content that celebrates diversity, promotes inclusivity, and fosters a sense of belonging for all. Let’s strive to make representation a priority in our visual storytelling and contribute to a more equitable and inclusive society.

Stay In-The-Know on Inclusive Education

Hi! I’m Naomi. 🙋🏼‍♀️😁 ✨In addition to being an inclusive educator, I am also a published textbook author, a top LinkedIn community voice in higher education, a certified Common Sense Educator, and a Google Women Techmakers Ambassador. I am passionate about engaging in conversations and exploring the possibilities of AI education.

To deepen your understanding of inclusive education and stay updated on the latest news, thought leadership, and insights, I invite you to follow me on your favorite platforms, where you will gain valuable access to my discussions on building truly inclusive artificial intelligence, understanding the role of sociology in educational development, and more.

Don’t miss the opportunity to engage with my work and contribute to the ongoing dialogue. Let’s shape a future where education is inclusive, diverse, and equitable. Scan the QR code or click the link under the image below to follow me today to stay connected and expand your knowledge in this rapidly evolving field.