November cover not inclusive enough
I cannot say enough good things about the article “Trust and betrayal in the workplace” (November 2011). The content was well supported by instrumentation that’s appropriate, easy to use, congruent with clinical needs, and applicable to the widest range of contexts in which nurses serve. Also, nursing leaders and managers can readily revise the instrumentation for other nursing contexts (such as political advocacy, education, or research) where nurses shape the future for nursing practice and the public.
However, I am saddened that the cover image highlighting this article presents six interwoven hands, with none readily identifiable as that of a person of color; also, none of the hair distribution patterns on the arms looks like that of a male. Nursing has benefited from the presence of both men and persons of color—yet far too often we’ve demonstrated cultural and gender inconsideration. Readers may see that exclusion on your cover as a potential devaluation. Please help us accurately portray and honor the breadth and heterogeneity of professional nurses by presenting images of nurses that reflect the broadness of our profession.
Laura Meeks Festa, EdD, RN
Nursing Faculty
University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff
Editor’s response:
Although we strive for diversity and inclusiveness in the images we publish, we’re not always able to meet this goal due to limited selection of appropriate images in the photo stock archives we use. Nonetheless, we apologize for the oversight. Thank you for reminding us how important it is to accurately represent the diversity of nurses.
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