Clip art Controversy

-I hope I don’t offend anyone with this post…These are simply my opinions/thoughts/ideas-

Like most teachers/bloggers/TpT creators, I am extremely obsessed with clip art.
I am constantly looking for something fun, different, attractive, and adorable.
I find great stuff on TpT or on Etsy.
But…
I keep coming across GREAT work…that excludes children/people of color.
I don’t think it’s done on purpose…
I don’t know the first thing about designing clip art and I can’t imagine how much time it takes to create something like that.  I just find it frustrating to truly like something but feel limited because only one option is available.
And I write this post because I think about my students.  I think of the beautiful shades of color that paint my classroom.  When I create items for my own personal use…I want my students to be represented in that creation.  It’s so powerful when students can see themselves in their work.
When we retell the story of Red Riding Hood…I love that my students can choose between a light skin or dark skin Red to sequence the story.
I know there are a TON of clip art designers who feature children/people of all colors in their work and I truly appreciate them for that…I make an attempt to purchase exclusively from them.  
Does anyone else experience this or something similar?  Am I being unreasonable?  Expecting people to be too “PC”?
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6 Comments

  1. ronnie
    June 24, 2013 / 7:25 pm

    when i look at/purchase clipart, i do look for multicultural AND gender quality. i look for distribution of occupations/activities of the characters, and the quality of facial features and hair. i feel i would be doing less for my students and myself, if i didn't. cute doesn't cut it for me anymore. i hope this doesn't sound angry, defiant, or like a rant. it's not meant to be. but in the classes i have taken over many years, and in my own life experience, it's important. vhair61215[at]gmail.com

  2. Debbie Jacobson
    June 24, 2013 / 8:49 pm

    I just watched Oprah's "Dark Girls" last night. It breaks my heart to think that in this day and age our little girls think light skin/white is better/smarter/prettier. We need more diversity on every level of our society.
    Debbie
    debjac9@aol.com

  3. Unknown
    June 24, 2013 / 9:35 pm

    Ronnie and Debbie thank you for your insightful comments. I really feel strongly about making sure my students feel represented in my classroom. I missed "Dark Girls", but as a "dark girl" I know how it feels to be ostracized or left out…but not always on purpose.
    Thanks again for chiming in and speaking out!
    Vera

  4. Unknown
    June 25, 2013 / 10:15 pm

    I completely agree!!! I teach in a school where just about every child is a child of color and it hurts me that most things are only made with light skinned children. My students are beautiful people and should be able to see others like them inside their own classroom. The more we speak out on it and the more people are aware of it, hopefully, the more it will change.

  5. Jennifer Lewis
    January 25, 2014 / 10:00 pm

    I just came across your post in an unsuccessful attempt to find some clip art of a diverse group of kids. I didn't realize how little there is until I started looking specifically for that. 🙁

  6. The Tutu Teacher
    January 26, 2014 / 12:18 am

    I have found Sarah over at Educasong ( loveeducasong.blogspot.com). She features clipart of students of various colors. She also has clipart for holidays like Ramadan and Diwali. She's great!