June 21, 2009: Diversity

[xoxoxoBruce]

Neatorama points to this National Post story, of diversity through photoshop, in Toronto.

The smiling, ethnically diverse family featured on the cover of Toronto's latest edition of its summer Fun Guide was digitally altered to make the photo more "inclusive," which city officials say is in keeping with a policy to reflect diversity.

A spokesman for the department that publishes the guide listing recreation activities confirmed the publication was doctored to insert the face of a different father.

"He superimposed the African-Canadian person onto the family cluster in the original photo. It was two photographs and one head was superimposed over the original family photo," said John Gosgnach, communications director for the social development division.

"The goal was to depict the diversity of Toronto and its residents."

The strange thing is, the family in the original stock photo are ethnically ambiguous to begin with. They could be of European, South American, or anywhere in between, decent.

"You won't find a more inclusive organization than us," said Kevin Sack, Toronto's director of strategic communications. "We want everyone to feel involved and welcome to participate in everything. That's the only goal. Nothing wrong with that."

The move was in accordance with a policy dated April 11, 2008, signed by former city manager Shirley Hoy directing staff to ensure the true kaleidoscope of Toronto residents is represented in all its communications materials.

"The policy doesn't say PhotoShop, the policy says 'show diversity' and that's of course what we try and do because we want all of our publications to reflect the community that we serve," explained Mr. Sack, who oversees city communications. "That's only fair. People should see themselves reflected in city services because it's everyone who uses them."

There are no criteria for what constitutes diversity, he acknowledged when asked how the policy is implemented in practice and why the family in the initial image didn't seem to fit the bill.

Wonder how the kids in the original photo feel, when the see their dad was toasted?