In increasingly diverse schools, what role does imagery play in supporting a climate and culture that is welcoming to all students, teachers and parents? It could mean a great deal. As Frederick Douglass once argued, "the moral and social influence of pictures" was more important in shaping the nation's culture than "the making of its laws."
It is estimated that the typical person sees more than 5,000 images each day, from advertising to social media feeds to what hangs on the walls of our homes or workplaces. And that number is only going to grow. For example, in 2017 more than 1.3 trillion photographs were taken (4 out of 5 using a phone), a nearly four-fold increase from 2010.
When it comes to consumer advertising, most leading companies have adopted a strategy of featuring people from a wider variety of ethnic and cultural backgrounds, including gay couples, interracial families, disabled individuals, and more.
While schools cannot compete with Coca Cola or Apple when it comes to marketing, they can excel (and exceed) at capturing visual stories that are genuine and authentic, sharing the interests and accomplishments of students who may come from around the world.
The session will include:
- A (very) brief history lesson on images and diversity (or lack thereof)
- The differences between authentic (good) and forced (not so good) attempts to portray diversity
- How Des Moines Public Schools practices its belief that "a picture is worth a thousand words"
- We all have a camera: tips on using your phone to market your classroom or school
- Don't die with the secret: tips on sharing visual stories
