I read the June 2009 CCS Prep article in your magazine about coding the different types of abuse - child or adult.  Whenever a person of color is used as an icon in a national magazine or story that is not focused on a race issue, I'm always curious as to how or why it was chosen. Considering blacks are only 12 percent of the U.S. population (and granted Hispanics considerably more), because there was no other associated images with the article, this sole image (a pensive child of color with her fist balled up) intimates not so subtly that abuse is a problem largely to be associated with people of color. Even if it happens that it's statistically true, that was not the focus of the article.

Had this article embedded images that showed a white child too - which is traditionally status quo in child-related articles that I read - depending on the publication, I wouldn't have flinched. Because it's rare, it's nice to see "one's self" and culture represented in a magazine related to "lofty" or professional topics, but it's curious that you chose this particular subject in which to flex your diversity muscles. All of the other articles in this issue happen to show smiling white professionals (or race-less figures); this obvious contrast reinforces the notion of topics associated with dark-skinned peoples as being a "negative." News outlets use this tactic constantly.

Because of the way African Americans and other people of color have been historically regarded in this country, I'm highly sensitized to seek a motive when certain imagery is used. In my work I create PowerPoint presentations all the time so I'm cognizant of the stock "human" iconography I choose so as not to consciously offend someone in my audience; other minority cultures tend to be sensitive to stereotypes about their groups, as well. If I'm giving a holiday presentation to a Jewish group, I'm not going to choose Santa Claus for any of the slides. Granted, it can be a tricky dance to show all groups in a positive light, but to me this one was a no-brainer.

While well written and informative, the artistic choice detracted from any cognitive retention that may have benefitted me. So, with all due respect, please allow me to strongly raise an objection to the artwork that accompanies the article. 

Markus Avery, CMT

Los Angeles