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Representation in content or products can take many forms. Many of us live in an image-filled culture, and on a daily basis we are surrounded by representations on television, in feature films, in news reporting and in books, both online and oline.

Reporters, authors, videographers, advertisers, publishers and filmmakers, bloggers, vloggers, producers of user- generated content, and people in general use images, audio and written words to convey content. They usually face limitations of time, space, resources and  other editorial constraints to prepare and present stories to the public. Inevitably, they ‘re-present’ people, issues or events by signifying what they see as relevant or not, such as characteristics like race, gender, sexuality, age or class. This selection sometimes involves stereotypical or oversimplified representations, which can be used to label individuals or groups, and justify narrow beliefs or attitudes. This may or may not be the intention of the author, producer or journalist/reporter. Sometimes it is the interpretation of the recipient (viewer, reader or listener). Where speakers act as instruments of conflict, hate speech or discrimination, it is logical that they should be accountable for their actions. At the same time, a diversity and plurality of voices and content are internationally accepted. A balance needs to be struck so that concern about representations does not chill diversity, and that a plurality operates within the parameters of protected speech.

We also need to understand that content providers work in a social context and that they are social actors within that social context. They are influenced by society and in turn influence society. We need to look deeper into the specific national context within which particular libraries, archives, museums, media and digital communication companies operate.

To be media and information literate, we need to examine images or representations and analyse not only the image or text itself, but also the narrative context, and its power relations which surround such content and which we sometimes do not see. It is important to recognize that while the media and digital communication companies, libraries, archives and museums have a lot of power to challenge society, they also reflect society, and its power relations by providing the kinds of stories and representations that we usually accept without much question.

Many content providers in various regions have developed voluntary diversity codes, meant to ensure that they demonstrate a commitment to content and initiatives that are inclusive and diverse. Many also follow a code of ethics that prohibits the use of abusive or discriminatory material based on race, ethnicity, age, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, physical ability or marital status.

Key questions in this module include: who benefits from the acceptance of discriminatory representations and who loses? How do these images influence the way we see ourselves and others? How do they influence our knowledge and understanding of the world beyond our immediate experience? What are the implications for gender equality and other forms of inequalities?