Can Distressing, Graphic, or Offensive Content be Included in Documents?
Inclusion of Disturbing Written Content
This not usually a problem for me to read. I do appreciate being warned about anything you feel might be shocking, potentially offensive, disturbing, upsetting, etc., in advance if possible.
Inclusion of Disturbing Images in Proofreading Documents
Whilst this is not an issue that comes up very often, I recognise that it is sometimes necessary to include graphic, disturbing, distressing, and possibly offensive images in academic writing, and that it might well be necessary to send these with your files.
There are certain instances where it’s necessary to include such images in your reports, e.g., graphic forensic or surgical images, images of the aftermath of war, conflict, or acts of terrorism, issues relating to the extremes of bigotry; this is, of course, not in any way an exhaustive list, and there are clearly many more legitimate reasons why it might be necessary to send such images to properly illustrate points or to support arguments.
My Personal Disposition on Distressing Images
I am, personally, relatively thick-skinned about this kind of image having sat a course in forensics and being exposed to news reports of conflict as part of my career and education as a photographer. However, this doesn’t mean that I still can’t be surprised or upset by seeing them.
Chasing Rays Proofreading Disturbing Image Policy
Accordingly, my policy on disturbing, graphic and offensive images is one of requesting that 1) they only be included if absolutely necessary, for instance to illustrate or explain a complex or difficult argument in the text, and 2) that you let me know in advance the general nature of such images. Ultimately, if I don’t feel as though I want or need to see this kind of image, then I will request that they be removed and/or blank placeholders be put in the main body of the text.
If you think you need to include graphic images, you should as a matter of course contact me to ensure I am fully appraised of their nature and have at least some idea of what to expect.
