introducing elf on the shelf for the first time
The holiday season is fast approaching, and with it comes the tradition of Elf on the Shelf. For those who may not be familiar, Elf on the Shelf is a popular holiday tradition that involves a small elf doll that moves around the house each night, watching over the children and reporting back to Santa on their behavior. This beloved tradition has become a staple in many households, but how did it all begin? In this article, we will dive into the history of Elf on the Shelf, its origins, and how it has evolved into the popular tradition it is today.
Origins of Elf on the Shelf
The story of Elf on the Shelf dates back to 2005 when Carol Aebersold and her daughter Chanda Bell, together with illustrator Coë Steinwart, wrote a children’s book titled “The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition.” The book tells the story of Santa’s scout elves, who are sent to children’s homes to watch over them and report back to Santa each night. The idea for the book came from Bell’s childhood, where her family had a similar tradition of an elf visiting their home during the holiday season.
The book was self-published and initially had a slow start, but with the help of a marketing director, the creators were able to get the book on the shelves of major retailers such as Barnes & Noble and Target. The book quickly gained popularity, and by 2007, it had sold over 1.5 million copies. With the success of the book, Aebersold and Bell decided to create a doll to go along with the story, and thus, the Elf on the Shelf doll was born.
The Tradition Begins
The tradition of Elf on the Shelf officially began in 2005, but it wasn’t until the following year that it really took off. Families all over the country started incorporating the elf into their holiday decorations, and the tradition quickly spread through word of mouth and social media. Parents loved the idea of having a little helper to keep their children in check during the busy holiday season.
The concept of the elf moving around the house each night also added an element of excitement for children. They would wake up every morning, eager to find out where the elf had moved to, and what mischief he had gotten into. The elf’s mischievous behavior, such as making a mess in the kitchen or drawing on family photos, added a fun and playful element to the tradition.
The Growing Popularity of Elf on the Shelf
As the tradition of Elf on the Shelf continued to gain popularity, the creators expanded the line to include different types of elves, such as a girl elf and a baby elf. They also introduced accessories for the elves, such as clothing and props, to make the tradition even more interactive and customizable for families.
The Elf on the Shelf also started to make appearances in other forms of media, such as television shows and movies. In 2011, the first Elf on the Shelf movie, “An Elf’s Story,” was released, further cementing the tradition’s popularity. The elf also became a popular holiday toy, with many families purchasing the doll and book as a gift for their children.
Another reason for the tradition’s success is its ability to bring families together during the holiday season. The elf’s daily mischief and the excitement of finding him each morning creates a shared experience that families can bond over. It also encourages children to behave well and get into the holiday spirit, as they know the elf is watching and reporting back to Santa.
Criticism and Controversies
As with any popular trend, Elf on the Shelf has faced its fair share of criticism and controversies. One of the main criticisms is that the tradition promotes a surveillance culture, where children are taught that they are being watched and will be rewarded or punished based on their behavior. This has raised concerns about the effect it may have on children’s mental health and the messages it sends about privacy and surveillance.
Another criticism is the pressure it puts on parents to come up with creative ideas for the elf’s daily mischief. Many parents feel overwhelmed and stressed by the expectation to keep up with the trend and come up with new and exciting ideas each day. This has led some families to abandon the tradition altogether.
There have also been controversies surrounding the elf’s depiction as a white, middle-class character, with some arguing that the tradition lacks diversity and inclusivity. In response, the creators have released a more diverse line of elves, including a black elf and a Hispanic elf.
The Future of Elf on the Shelf
Despite the criticisms and controversies, Elf on the Shelf continues to be a popular holiday tradition in many households. It has become a part of many families’ holiday traditions and is a beloved tradition for children around the world. The creators have also continued to expand the brand, with new books, movies, and products being released each year.
In recent years, the tradition has also evolved with the use of technology. There are now apps and websites that offer ideas for the elf’s daily mischief, making it easier for parents to come up with creative ideas. There are also virtual elves that can be used for families who are unable to have a physical elf in their home.
Conclusion
Elf on the Shelf has come a long way since its humble beginnings in 2005. From a self-published book to a worldwide phenomenon, it has become a beloved holiday tradition for many families. While it may have faced criticism and controversies, it has also brought joy and excitement to countless children during the holiday season. The tradition continues to evolve and adapt, and it will be interesting to see how it will continue to capture the hearts of families for years to come. So this holiday season, as you welcome your elf into your home, remember the story behind this beloved tradition and the joy it brings to children all around the world.
how to report inappropriate images on google
As one of the largest and most widely used search engines, Google has a responsibility to ensure that its platform is safe and appropriate for all users. However, with the vast amount of content available on the internet, it is inevitable that some inappropriate images may appear in the search results. These images can range from offensive or explicit content to images that violate intellectual property rights. As a user, it is important to know how to report such images to Google so that they can be removed and the platform can remain a safe and inclusive space for everyone. In this article, we will discuss the steps to report inappropriate images on Google and shed light on the policies and processes in place to address such issues.
Understanding Google’s Image Search
Before we dive into the process of reporting inappropriate images, it is essential to understand how Google’s Image Search works. When a user enters a keyword in the search bar, Google’s algorithm scans through millions of images to provide the most relevant results. These images are sourced from various websites, online databases, and the user’s own personal photos if they have linked their Google account. However, Google does not host these images, but rather provides a link to the original source. This means that when an image is removed from its original source, it will no longer appear in Google’s search results. Additionally, Google also has filters in place to prevent explicit or violent images from showing up in the search results by default.
Types of Inappropriate Images on Google
Inappropriate images on Google can fall under various categories, and it is essential to understand the difference between them to report them accurately. The most common types of inappropriate images that can appear on Google include explicit or pornographic content, violent or gory images, hate speech or offensive content, and images that violate copyright or intellectual property rights. Each of these types of images has its own reporting process, and it is crucial to follow the correct steps to ensure that the issue is addressed promptly.
Reporting Explicit or Pornographic Images
Explicit or pornographic images are those that contain nudity, sexual acts, or other sexually suggestive content. These images violate Google’s policies and are not suitable for all audiences. If you come across such images while using Google’s Image Search, you can report them by following these steps:
1. Click on the image that you want to report to open it in a new tab.
2. In the top right corner, click on the three-dot menu and select “Report image.”
3. A pop-up window will appear, asking you to select the reason for reporting the image. Choose “Explicit or sexually suggestive content.”
4. You will then be prompted to provide additional information about the image, such as why you find it inappropriate. You can also choose to block the website from future search results.
5. Once you have filled in all the necessary information, click “Submit” to report the image to Google.
Google has a team dedicated to reviewing these reports, and they will take appropriate action, which may include removing the image from search results, blocking the website, and even disabling the account of the website owner if they repeatedly violate Google’s policies.
Reporting Violent or Gory Images
Just like explicit images, violent or gory images are also not suitable for all audiences and can be disturbing or offensive to some users. These images can range from real-life violence to graphic images from movies or video games. To report such images, follow these steps:
1. Open the image in a new tab by clicking on it.
2. Click on the three-dot menu in the top right corner and select “Report image.”
3. In the pop-up window, choose “Violent or hateful content” as the reason for reporting.
4. Provide any additional information or comments about the image and click “Submit.”
Google’s team will review the report and take the necessary action, which may include removing the image or blocking the website.
Reporting Hate Speech or Offensive Content
Hate speech or offensive content includes images that promote discrimination, violence, or prejudice against a particular group or individual based on their race, gender, religion, or other characteristics. To report such images, follow these steps:
1. Open the image in a new tab and click on the three-dot menu in the top right corner.
2. Select “Report image” from the menu.
3. In the pop-up window, choose “Hate speech or offensive content” as the reason for reporting.
4. Provide any additional information or comments about the image and click “Submit.”
Google will review the report and take appropriate action, which may include removing the image or blocking the website.
Reporting Copyright or Intellectual Property Infringement
Copyright or intellectual property infringement occurs when an image is used without the owner’s permission or proper attribution. These images can include copyrighted logos, trademarks, or artistic works. To report such images, follow these steps:
1. Click on the image to open it in a new tab.
2. In the top right corner, click on the three-dot menu and select “Report image.”
3. In the pop-up window, choose “Infringement of my copyright or intellectual property rights” as the reason for reporting.
4. You will then be prompted to provide additional information, such as your contact information and a description of the copyrighted work.
5. Click “Submit” to report the image to Google.
Google will review the report and take appropriate action, which may include removing the image or blocking the website.
Appealing a Decision
If you have reported an image and believe that the decision made by Google was incorrect, you can appeal the decision by following these steps:
1. Go to Google’s Legal Help page and click on “Contact us.”
2. Fill in the necessary information, including your contact details and the URL of the image that you have reported.
3. In the description, explain why you believe the decision was incorrect and provide any additional information or evidence to support your claim.
4. Click “Submit” to send your appeal to Google’s team.
Google will review the appeal and take appropriate action if necessary.
In Conclusion
Inappropriate images on Google can be reported by following the steps outlined above. It is essential to report such images as they violate Google’s policies and can be harmful or offensive to users. Additionally, Google also has systems in place to prevent such images from appearing in the search results by default. As users, it is our responsibility to report any inappropriate images that we come across so that Google can maintain a safe and inclusive platform for everyone.