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Content Warnings

We have developed content warnings for each METS edition in support of those readers who find such warnings to be a helpful guide to prepare themselves for potentially sensitive content. The content warnings flag the presence of important events, defining themes, graphic detail, and potentially evocative descriptions of trauma, not isolated instances or brief mentions of objectionable content. 

Below is the list of content warnings we have developed; we recognize that this is by no means comprehensive, and there will be editions that we have not tagged as thoroughly as some might wish. We also recognize that not all readers find content warnings useful, and that some instructors might choose to develop their own content warnings or to eschew their use in the classroom. 

In order to support as wide a range of users as possible, we have chosen to upload a spreadsheet of all editions and content warnings to GitHub. This is a living document; new editions will be added upon their publication.

Content Warnings:

  • Ableism and stigmatization of disability, chronic pain, and chronic illness
  • Animal cruelty, animal death, bestiality, violence toward animals
  • Cannibalism
  • Child abuse, death of children, violence toward children
  • Drug and alcohol use
  • Eating disorders, body dysmorphia, body shaming
  • Graphic violence
  • Homophobia, heterosexism
  • Incest
  • Mental illness
  • Racism, racial prejudice, racial hate, racial violence 
  • Rape, sexual assault, sexual abuse
  • Religious prejudice, hate, and violence (e.g., antisemitism, Islamophobia)
  • Self-harm, suicide, attempted suicide
  • Sexism and misogyny
  • Torture
  • Transphobia

  • or implied instances of any of the above

The following readings, among others, have informed our approach to the development and implementation of content warnings:

Charles, A., et. al. "Typology of content warnings and trigger warnings: Systematic review." PLoS One. May 2022: 17(5):e0266722. doi: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0266722

The Ohio State University. (n.d.) "Using Content Warnings in Your Course: A Trauma-Informed Approach." OSU Teaching & Learning Resource Center. https://teaching.resources.osu.edu/teaching-topics/using-content-warnings-your-course.

University of Michigan. (n.d.). "An introduction to content warnings and trigger warnings." LSA Inclusive Teaching. https://sites.lsa.umich.edu/inclusive-teaching-sandbox/wp-content/uploads/sites/853/2021/02/An-Introduction-to-Content-Warnings-and-Trigger-Warnings-Draft.pdf.