GRADE8 3RD QTR REVIEW

Bias Language

  • Definition of Bias:

    • Unfairly prejudiced for or against someone or something.

    • Example: “We will not tolerate this biased media coverage.”

Key Bias Words

  • Examples of Bias Words:

    • Prejudice, favoritism, inclination, intolerance, bigotry, etc.

The Bias Iceberg Model

  • Conscious Drivers:

    • Thinking brain (pre-frontal/neocortex)

  • Preconscious Bias:

    • Personality based drivers

  • Unconscious Bias:

    • Neurobiological based drivers

Examples of Biased Language

  • Age:

    • Use specific age ranges instead of biased terms (e.g., "a class for people who are 80 and older").

  • Religion:

    • Use neutral terms like "devout" for all religious groups.

  • Health and Abilities:

    • Adopt people-first language (e.g., "someone who uses a wheelchair").

  • Race:

    • Replace biased terms with neutral descriptors (e.g., "blocked list" instead of "blacklisted").

  • Gender:

    • Use gender-neutral language (e.g., "The lawyer must prepare a case..." instead of referring to gender).

Ways to Avoid Bias in Writing

  1. Use Third-Person Point of View:

    • Avoid using "we" or "us"; use third person.

    • Example: Change "We find that these laws..." to "Teachers find that these laws..."

  2. Be Specific:

    • Refer to people's specific age or culture.

    • Example: Change "Asian children" to "Filipino children."

  3. Use People-First Language:

    • Name the person before their condition (e.g., "the person with a disability").

    • Example: Change "The special education student" to "The student in a special education program."

  4. Avoid Male-Centric Terms:

    • Replace terms like "chairman" with "board member."

  5. Use Preferred Pronouns:

    • Utilize inclusive pronouns based on personal preference (e.g., they, ze).

  6. Check for Gender Assumptions:

    • Avoid assuming gender in descriptions; vary gender in pronouns if needed.

Practice on Identifying and Correcting Bias

  • Review sentences for bias and correct accordingly.

  • Look for terms that can be replaced with more inclusive language.

Conclusion

  • Inclusivity in Language:

    • Language evolves; consistent use of inclusive terms will normalize unbiased language.

  • Biblical Reference:

    • All men are created equal; everyone has innate value and purpose as per the scriptures (Genesis 1:27, Deuteronomy 10:17).