Changing Stock Photography (blog 3)

Facebook executive and head of the nonprofit organization Lean In Sheryl Sandberg has partnered with Getty Images to introduce a collection of unique stock photos. The article cites that one of the easiest ways to change perceptions of something is to change the imagery around it, especially in today's world where imagery is so heavily relied upon as a means of communication. Aimed at challenging traditional gender stereotypes, the collection features photos of "professional women as surgeons, painters, bakers, soldiers and hunters. There are girls riding skateboards, women lifting weights and fathers changing babies’ diapers. Women in offices wear contemporary clothes and hairstyles and hold tablets or smartphones — a far cry from the typical stock photos of women in 1980s power suits with a briefcase."

This article represents an example of the public sphere coming together to have their voices heard. It is also a good example of using positive face to present their side of the issue - rather than passing blame onto the creators of stock photos for perpetuating gender stereotypes, Sandberg and LeanIn are presenting their views of things "as they should be" and doing so in a way that is both productive and peaceful.