Bias Refers to a point of view that excludes some ideas or is prejudicial towards particular groups.

Spiritual beliefs Education Race Age Gender Social class Political beliefs Experiences Parents and peers

TERMS BIAS: A preference or inclination especially one that inhibits impartial judgment. An unfair act or policy stemming from prejudice BIASED: To influence in a particular, typically unfair direction VALUE JUDGEMENT: An assessment that reveals more about the values of the person making the assessment that the reality of what is assessed. ie: judgments about another person’s morality

STEPS TO DETECTING BIAS Identify the sources and its prior inclinations for or against a subject. Look for “emotionally charged” or “loaded” words. For example, an author might state that “The savage American attack on the Iranian passenger plane was a monstrous violation against an international peace.” Is there any evidence of over-exaggeration? Are words such as “every”, “none” and always” repeated? Look for stereotypes. (age, gender, ability, ethnicity…) Is only one side of the story presented?

New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina

LET’S TALK Compare the terms “looting” and “finding”. What images come to mind when we hear or use these words? What implications are associated with each word?

What is the message of this public service campaign? What stereotypes and assumptions does this ad rely on in order to be effective? How does it counteract them? Is this an effective ad? Why or why not?

Positive Bias Discussion activity What are examples of positive biases associated with the following groups? 1) Women 2) Gay men 3) Asians Article

How to Detect Bias in the News How to Detect Bias in the News Bias through selection and omission Bias through placement Bias by headline Bias by photos, captions and camera angles Bias through use of names and titles Bias through statistics and crowd counts Word choice and tone