Cut on the Bias describes the infuriatingly “politically correct” guidelines for textbook publishers and exam writers (here in the US):
In Michigan, the state does not allow mention of flying saucers or extraterrestrials on its test, because those subjects might imply the forbidden topic of evolution. A text illustrator wrote to say that she was not permitted to portray a birthday party because Jehovah’s Witnesses do not believe in celebrating birthdays. Another illustrator told me that he was directed to airbrush the udder from his drawing of a cow because that body part was “too sexual.”A review of my book in “The Scotsman” (Edinburgh) said that a well-known local writer for children sold a story to an American textbook company, along with illustrations. The U.S. publisher, however, informed her that she could not show a little girl sitting on her grandfather’s lap, as the drawing implied incest. So, the author changed the adult’s face, so that the little girl was sitting on her grandmother’s lap instead. A contributor to a major textbook series prepared a story comparing the great floods in 1889 in Johnstown, Pa., with those in 1993 in the Midwest, but was unable to find an acceptable photograph. The publisher insisted that everyone in the rowboats must be wearing a lifevest to demonstrate safety procedures.
She could not show a little girl sitting on her grandfather’s lap, as the drawing implied incest. What is wrong with these people? And expecting everyone in a photo from 1889 to wear lifevests?
All lessons, test questions, and illustrations must reflect the following ratios: 50-50 male-female; 45% Caucasian; 25% African American; 22% Hispanic American; 5% Asian American; 5% American Indian and others; and 3% “persons with disabilities.” These figures do not total 100%, nor do they represent actual U.S. Census numbers, but the principle of representation is well understood by writers and editors. American society, as represented in the textbooks, is perfectly integrated by race, ethnicity, gender, age, and disability.
These figures do not total 100%. That kind of thing is always good for a chuckle.
When it comes to illustrations in textbooks, certain images — women cooking, men acting assertive, scenes of poverty, and old people walking with the aid of a cane or a walker — are likewise considered unacceptable. The specifications for photographs, I have learned, are exquisitely detailed. Men and boys must not be larger than women and girls. Asians must not appear as shorter than non-Asians. Women must wear bras, and men must not have noticeable bulges below the waist. People must wear shoes and socks, never showing bare feet or the soles of shoes, and their shoelaces must be solid black, brown, or white. People must never gesture with their fingers, nor should anyone be depicted eating with the left hand. Things to avoid: holiday decorations and scenes in which a church or a bar appears in the background.
Men and boys must not be larger than women and girls. Asians must not appear as shorter than non-Asians. We’ll just check reality at the door.