Detecting Bias

Anti-Japan
Originally uploaded by isi1000.

We are generally aware that the public media are "loaded" with bias (a predisposition, prejudice, or prejudgment), especially in such things as commercials, political speeches, and even pep talks by religious and social work fun raisers. This "loading" with words and phrases that play upon our emotions is meant to move our thinking - and thus our actions - in a chosen direction. In fact we are aware of this phenomenon that we usually don't even think about it unless our emotions are strongly touched in some way, and then we may question the cause. Seldom, however, do we question statements that we read in university assignments or wonder if the author is being unbiased in presenting facts- and we must be sensitive to that possibility because bias in a textbook or articles may negate its value.

Bias is often present when a writer's choice of words arouses the reader's emotions, but is always there when the material being read includes one or more of these elements:

1. Name-calling: The presidential candidate was not able to continue speaking because of irresponsible interruptions by several ill-mannered, unkempt weirdos.

2. Contradictions : Our religious organization is in no trouble at all. the recent scandal will blow over, people will resume their giving and we will save the ministry.

3. Highly emotional, even inflammatory statements : We all feel the same way: let them go back where they came from and stop causing trouble in our community. They don't belong here with normal people.

4. False assumptions, based on weak or inaccurate information : Asian refugees have a hard time adjusting to Western society because they are used to being told when to do everything, and in this country everyone is his own boss and does what he wants to do.

5. Stereotyping, often with overgeneralizations full of inaccuracies: Every one knows that men make much better airline pilots than women do.

Often, biasness is expressed in the form of propaganda, whether they are written in speeches, leaflets, flyers or merely just pictures. The poster above was created by the U.S. Army during WWII against the Japanese troop. Look at the words used to describe the Japanese. What's your reaction to the poster? How intense are the words used in it? How would you feel if you were a Japanese or an American?