BiasBiasBias is hard to identify in ourselves because it Bias is hard to identify in ourselves because it

is unconscious, and we do not recognize it is unconscious, and we do not recognize it when we see it. And so we believe it when we when we see it. And so we believe it when we

say "Well I've got nothing against these say "Well I've got nothing against these people, personally, if they behave properly." people, personally, if they behave properly."

Bias in writing can be defined as:Bias in writing can be defined as:

A prejudice against something an author is A prejudice against something an author is writing about.writing about.

Favoritism for something an author is Favoritism for something an author is writing about.writing about.

An author letting feelings or emotions An author letting feelings or emotions cloud his/her objectivity with regard to cloud his/her objectivity with regard to something he/she is writing about.something he/she is writing about.

Identifying BiasIdentifying Bias

Suppose that while researching nutrition, you run across Suppose that while researching nutrition, you run across the following:the following:Vitamin A is an important nutrient. It is used to make Vitamin A is an important nutrient. It is used to make rhodopsin, a pigment in our eyes. Thus, Vitamin A is rhodopsin, a pigment in our eyes. Thus, Vitamin A is necessary for healthy vision. People can develop night necessary for healthy vision. People can develop night blindness if they do not get enough of it. Carrots are an blindness if they do not get enough of it. Carrots are an excellent source of vitamin A. Carrots should be a part of excellent source of vitamin A. Carrots should be a part of your daily diet. your daily diet. At first, this paragraph seems to offer good information. At first, this paragraph seems to offer good information. Would you be more skeptical if you learned that it was Would you be more skeptical if you learned that it was written by people who grow carrots commercially? How written by people who grow carrots commercially? How would your opinion change? would your opinion change?

Recognizing BiasRecognizing Bias

Look for loaded words – words that are charged Look for loaded words – words that are charged with emotion (whether positive or negative) can with emotion (whether positive or negative) can reveal an author’s opinion about his/her topic.reveal an author’s opinion about his/her topic.Watch out for stereotypes – if the author labels Watch out for stereotypes – if the author labels an entire group, the writing is probably biased.an entire group, the writing is probably biased.Notice vague language or generalizations – if Notice vague language or generalizations – if the author isn’t using specific language, this the author isn’t using specific language, this could be an indicator of bias.could be an indicator of bias.Be on the lookout for one-sided arguments – if Be on the lookout for one-sided arguments – if the author only presents one side of an the author only presents one side of an argument, his/her writing is probably biased.argument, his/her writing is probably biased.

Bias Is EverywhereBias Is Everywhere

Bias is a subjective way of thinking that tells only one Bias is a subjective way of thinking that tells only one side of a story, sometimes leading to inaccurate side of a story, sometimes leading to inaccurate information or a false impression. When you research, it information or a false impression. When you research, it is crucial that you identify the level of bias in potential is crucial that you identify the level of bias in potential sources. Below are some possible sources of bias.sources. Below are some possible sources of bias.

The speaker / writer is relying on incomplete information.The speaker / writer is relying on incomplete information. The speaker /writer is trying to deceive the listener/reader.The speaker /writer is trying to deceive the listener/reader. The speaker /writer wants to believe what he or she is saying.The speaker /writer wants to believe what he or she is saying. The speaker's / writer’s past experience is influencing his or her The speaker's / writer’s past experience is influencing his or her

thinking.thinking. The speaker / writer is trying to persuade the listener/reader.The speaker / writer is trying to persuade the listener/reader.

In the passage above, the writer does not mention that In the passage above, the writer does not mention that ingesting too much vitamin A can make people sick. The ingesting too much vitamin A can make people sick. The writer fails to tell the reader that eggs and sweet writer fails to tell the reader that eggs and sweet potatoes are also good sources of vitamin A.potatoes are also good sources of vitamin A.

Bias RatingBias Rating

When reading information, think about what When reading information, think about what possible bias might be distorting the facts. You possible bias might be distorting the facts. You might use a scale such as the following:might use a scale such as the following: Almost totally unbiased; highly objective; accurateAlmost totally unbiased; highly objective; accurate Mostly unbiased; fairly reliableMostly unbiased; fairly reliable Somewhat biased; accuracy is questionableSomewhat biased; accuracy is questionable Fairly biased; distorted; probably unreliableFairly biased; distorted; probably unreliable Totally biased; highly subjective; inaccurateTotally biased; highly subjective; inaccurate

Bias Begun!Bias Begun!

As you read the following paragraphs, determine the As you read the following paragraphs, determine the kind of bias being used. Explain your reasoning. kind of bias being used. Explain your reasoning.

Returning wolves to their native habitats is critically important. Returning wolves to their native habitats is critically important. The wolf is an original top predator in the natural ecosystems of The wolf is an original top predator in the natural ecosystems of North America. If these ecosystems are out of balance, they may North America. If these ecosystems are out of balance, they may collapse. If that happens, millions of organisms will go extinct. collapse. If that happens, millions of organisms will go extinct. Even humans are in danger if we do not do something soon. We Even humans are in danger if we do not do something soon. We must make sure that there are wolves in all of North America’s must make sure that there are wolves in all of North America’s remaining natural areas.remaining natural areas.

Scientists use powerful computers to study the Earth’s Scientists use powerful computers to study the Earth’s atmosphere. These computers help scientists predict changes in atmosphere. These computers help scientists predict changes in world climate. For instance, scientists use computers to study world climate. For instance, scientists use computers to study what might happen if pollution increases or decreases. what might happen if pollution increases or decreases. Computers can also help scientists make recommendations to Computers can also help scientists make recommendations to businesses, individuals, and other polluters. Eventually, we will businesses, individuals, and other polluters. Eventually, we will know enough about climate changes to be able to control them. know enough about climate changes to be able to control them.

TRY THIS!TRY THIS!Debaters often use bias intentionally to strengthen their position. Debaters often use bias intentionally to strengthen their position. When listening to / reading a passage, ask yourself, “Will the writer When listening to / reading a passage, ask yourself, “Will the writer benefit if I believe what is being told to me?” If the answer is yes, benefit if I believe what is being told to me?” If the answer is yes, then the passage is likely to be biased.then the passage is likely to be biased.http://go.hrw.com/resources/go_sc/hst/HSTSW201.PDFOTINGhttp://go.hrw.com/resources/go_sc/hst/HSTSW201.PDFOTING

Suggested Readings: How to use bias in your writingSuggested Readings: How to use bias in your writing By Stacie HeapsBy Stacie Heaps

Professional Writer and EditorProfessional Writer and Editorhttp://www.writeexpress.com/bias.htmlhttp://www.writeexpress.com/bias.html

How to write without biasHow to write without bias

Part of writing effectively is knowing and Part of writing effectively is knowing and respecting your audience—all members of your respecting your audience—all members of your audience. To accomplish this, it is important to audience. To accomplish this, it is important to be sensitive to racial, ethnic, age, religious, be sensitive to racial, ethnic, age, religious, socioeconomic, political, occupational, and socioeconomic, political, occupational, and gender groups. By doing so, writers can avoid gender groups. By doing so, writers can avoid perpetuating and reinforcing stereotypes. Using perpetuating and reinforcing stereotypes. Using unbiased language is a matter of showing unbiased language is a matter of showing respect for and sensitivity to the feelings and respect for and sensitivity to the feelings and beliefs of others.beliefs of others.

Avoiding Biased LanguageAvoiding Biased Language

Bias is prejudice toward or unfair Bias is prejudice toward or unfair characterization of the members of a particular characterization of the members of a particular group. Bias is so common in speech and writing group. Bias is so common in speech and writing that we often are not even aware of it. But it is that we often are not even aware of it. But it is the responsibility of everyone to become the responsibility of everyone to become conscious of and write without bias. The conscious of and write without bias. The following guideline will help you to accomplish following guideline will help you to accomplish this objective.this objective.

When writing, avoid using offensive terms when When writing, avoid using offensive terms when referring to an individual or group of people.referring to an individual or group of people.

Not: Not: They have hired more broads this year than men.They have hired more broads this year than men.Nobody used to hire micks around here.Nobody used to hire micks around here.

But:But:They have hired more women this year than men.They have hired more women this year than men.Nobody used to hire individuals around here of Irish Nobody used to hire individuals around here of Irish descent.descent.Moreover, realize that terms once considered to be Moreover, realize that terms once considered to be accurate or acceptable may no longer be and may even accurate or acceptable may no longer be and may even be considered offensive. When writing about a group of be considered offensive. When writing about a group of people, use the term that the group currently uses to people, use the term that the group currently uses to refer to themselves.refer to themselves.

Not: Not: If he is elected, he would be the first Negro in the White If he is elected, he would be the first Negro in the White House.House.He has had the physical handicap since he was five.He has had the physical handicap since he was five.There are many elderly people in our town.There are many elderly people in our town.

But:But:If he is elected, he would be the first African American in If he is elected, he would be the first African American in the White House.the White House.He has had the physical impairment since he was five.He has had the physical impairment since he was five.There are many senior citizens [or seniors] in our town.There are many senior citizens [or seniors] in our town.

Avoid expressions that stereotype a group of Avoid expressions that stereotype a group of people, even when the stereotype is a people, even when the stereotype is a positive one.positive one.

Not: Not: I'm sorry; I must have been having a blonde moment.I'm sorry; I must have been having a blonde moment.Our neighbor drives like a farmer.Our neighbor drives like a farmer.Cho Yung, a Chinese exchange student, is of course Cho Yung, a Chinese exchange student, is of course good at science.good at science.Since the surgery, my father moves like an old fogy.Since the surgery, my father moves like an old fogy.

But:But:I'm sorry; I must not have understood what you said.I'm sorry; I must not have understood what you said.Our neighbor is a slow driver.Our neighbor is a slow driver.Cho Yung, a hard-working exchange student, does well Cho Yung, a hard-working exchange student, does well in science.in science.Since the surgery, my father moves more slowly.Since the surgery, my father moves more slowly.

Avoiding Gender BiasAvoiding Gender Bias

Gender bias in language, or sexist language, is Gender bias in language, or sexist language, is language that stereotypes or demeans an language that stereotypes or demeans an individual or individuals because of their gender. individual or individuals because of their gender. Language that is sexist unnecessarily Language that is sexist unnecessarily distinguishes between or brings attention to distinguishes between or brings attention to differences between men and women in ability, differences between men and women in ability, temperament, behavior, or occupation. Such temperament, behavior, or occupation. Such language, whether used intentionally or language, whether used intentionally or unintentionally, often irritates or offends readers. unintentionally, often irritates or offends readers. Thus, writers should pay attention to their style Thus, writers should pay attention to their style to avoid gender bias.to avoid gender bias.

Generic PronounsGeneric Pronouns

Traditionally, the male pronouns were used to Traditionally, the male pronouns were used to represent all members of a group, regardless of represent all members of a group, regardless of gender. However, many readers feel that using gender. However, many readers feel that using the generic he and him and similar pronouns the generic he and him and similar pronouns encourages and reinforces gender-role encourages and reinforces gender-role stereotyping—that is, the belief that men are stereotyping—that is, the belief that men are more able or better-suited to hold a certain more able or better-suited to hold a certain occupation or status in society or the like. In occupation or status in society or the like. In order to avoid gender bias, do not use male order to avoid gender bias, do not use male pronouns to refer to people in general.pronouns to refer to people in general.

Not: Not: Please remind everyone to bring his notepad and pen or laptop to Please remind everyone to bring his notepad and pen or laptop to the meeting.the meeting.Mark each potential donor's name off the list after you have talked to Mark each potential donor's name off the list after you have talked to him.him.Every person I talked to said he could come to the company party.Every person I talked to said he could come to the company party.To fix this problem, one option is to use both the male and female To fix this problem, one option is to use both the male and female pronouns.pronouns.

But:But:Please remind everyone to bring his or her notepad and pen or Please remind everyone to bring his or her notepad and pen or laptop to the meeting.laptop to the meeting.Mark each potential donor's name off the list after you have talked to Mark each potential donor's name off the list after you have talked to him or her.him or her.Every person I talked to said he or she could come to the company Every person I talked to said he or she could come to the company party.party.

This construction can become distracting when overused, This construction can become distracting when overused, however. To avoid this, you can also change the however. To avoid this, you can also change the sentence to use the plural form of the pronoun. Make sentence to use the plural form of the pronoun. Make sure when you do so that you change the noun that the sure when you do so that you change the noun that the pronoun refers to the plural form, as well.pronoun refers to the plural form, as well.

Examples: Examples: Please remind team members to bring their notepad and Please remind team members to bring their notepad and pen or laptop to the meeting. Mark potential donors' pen or laptop to the meeting. Mark potential donors' names off the list after you have talked to them.names off the list after you have talked to them.All the people I talked to said they could come to the All the people I talked to said they could come to the company party.company party.

In longer discourses, you can alternate the use of gender In longer discourses, you can alternate the use of gender pronouns, using he in one paragraph (or section, pronouns, using he in one paragraph (or section, chapter, example, and so forth) and she in another, for chapter, example, and so forth) and she in another, for instance. (Keep in mind that some readers, however, instance. (Keep in mind that some readers, however, may find this method somewhat distracting.) If you use may find this method somewhat distracting.) If you use this method, try to use pronouns that counter established this method, try to use pronouns that counter established stereotypes.stereotypes.

Examples: Examples: On her first day of work, each airplane mechanic should On her first day of work, each airplane mechanic should complete all of the necessary new-hire paperwork.complete all of the necessary new-hire paperwork.Every doctor should carry her pager with her when she is Every doctor should carry her pager with her when she is on call.on call.Before leaving work each day, the secretary should write Before leaving work each day, the secretary should write down his most important tasks to be completed the next down his most important tasks to be completed the next day.day.

Or, you can also recast the sentence and remove Or, you can also recast the sentence and remove the pronoun reference completely.the pronoun reference completely.

Examples: Examples: On the first day of work, each airplane mechanic On the first day of work, each airplane mechanic should complete all of the necessary new-hire should complete all of the necessary new-hire paperwork.paperwork.Every doctor should carry a pager when on call.Every doctor should carry a pager when on call.Before leaving work each day, the secretary Before leaving work each day, the secretary should write down the most important tasks to should write down the most important tasks to be completed the next day.be completed the next day.

Some writers have responded to the Some writers have responded to the singular pronoun problem by replacing the singular pronoun problem by replacing the generic he with the generic she. This generic he with the generic she. This simply replaces one gender bias with simply replaces one gender bias with another, however, and so this practice another, however, and so this practice should likewise be avoided.should likewise be avoided.

Not: Not: Each employee should record daily the hours she Each employee should record daily the hours she spends on each project.spends on each project.Every member of our staff gives her very best effort.Every member of our staff gives her very best effort.After the three-month probation period, a new employee After the three-month probation period, a new employee can elect her medical and other benefits.can elect her medical and other benefits.

But:But:Each employee should record daily the hours he or she Each employee should record daily the hours he or she spends on each project.spends on each project.All members of our staff give their very best effort.All members of our staff give their very best effort.After the three-month probation period, a new employee After the three-month probation period, a new employee can elect medical and other benefits.can elect medical and other benefits.

Though in speech we often use the plural Though in speech we often use the plural pronoun with a singular noun (particularly pronoun with a singular noun (particularly when preserving the anonymity of a when preserving the anonymity of a person), this construction should be person), this construction should be avoided in formal writing.avoided in formal writing.

Not: Not: Each member of the board denied that they were Each member of the board denied that they were involved in the matter.involved in the matter.One staff member said they would not be able to attend One staff member said they would not be able to attend the training.the training.Every manager agreed that they would come to the Every manager agreed that they would come to the summit meeting.summit meeting.

But:But:Each member of the board denied being involved in the Each member of the board denied being involved in the matter.matter.One staff member said he or she would not be able to One staff member said he or she would not be able to attend the training.attend the training.The managers agreed that they would come to the The managers agreed that they would come to the summit meeting.summit meeting.

And finally, avoid such constructions as And finally, avoid such constructions as he/she and s/he, as they are awkward and he/she and s/he, as they are awkward and unattractive.unattractive.

Not: Not: The release forms must be signed by each The release forms must be signed by each contractor before s/he can be hired.contractor before s/he can be hired.Each new hire should bring his/her completed Each new hire should bring his/her completed documentation on the first day of work.documentation on the first day of work.

But:But:The release forms must be signed by each The release forms must be signed by each contractor before he or she can be hired.contractor before he or she can be hired.New hires should bring their completed New hires should bring their completed documentation on the first day of work.documentation on the first day of work.

Word ChoiceWord Choice

Do not use man, boy, and the like (or words containing Do not use man, boy, and the like (or words containing such prefixes or suffixes) to refer to both genders.such prefixes or suffixes) to refer to both genders.

Not: Not: The firemen arrived on the scene shortly after the blaze The firemen arrived on the scene shortly after the blaze started.started.Tomorrow I am meeting with the chairman.Tomorrow I am meeting with the chairman.Do you know if the mailman has come yet?Do you know if the mailman has come yet?

But:But:The firefighters arrived on the scene shortly after the The firefighters arrived on the scene shortly after the blaze started.blaze started.Tomorrow I am meeting with the chair.Tomorrow I am meeting with the chair.Do you know if the letter carrier has come yet?Do you know if the letter carrier has come yet?

Gender StereotypesGender StereotypesDo not reinforce social or occupational stereotypes. Do not include Do not reinforce social or occupational stereotypes. Do not include

superfluous information that unnecessarily differentiates between superfluous information that unnecessarily differentiates between genders or calls attention to the gender or gender role of an genders or calls attention to the gender or gender role of an individual.individual.

Not: Not: Jan is going to school to become a lady doctor.Jan is going to school to become a lady doctor.Jeff Davies is a superb secretary, despite the fact that he is a man.Jeff Davies is a superb secretary, despite the fact that he is a man.Mark Mendenhall, a manager, and Linda Decker, a supervisor and Mark Mendenhall, a manager, and Linda Decker, a supervisor and mother of two, are vying for the position.mother of two, are vying for the position.

But:But:Jan is going to school to become a doctor.Jan is going to school to become a doctor.Jeff Davies is a superb secretary.Jeff Davies is a superb secretary.Mark Mendenhall, a manager, and Linda Decker, a supervisor, are Mark Mendenhall, a manager, and Linda Decker, a supervisor, are vying for the position.vying for the position.

This rule applies when giving examples, as well. If you This rule applies when giving examples, as well. If you consistently use examples that portray men and women consistently use examples that portray men and women in their “traditional” roles, you are reinforcing long-held in their “traditional” roles, you are reinforcing long-held stereotypes. Instead, use examples that challenge these stereotypes. Instead, use examples that challenge these stereotypes.stereotypes.

Not: Not: The men in our department are good employees as well The men in our department are good employees as well as good breadwinners.as good breadwinners.Three out of four women prefer our brand of dish soap.Three out of four women prefer our brand of dish soap.

But:But:The people in our department are good employees as The people in our department are good employees as well as good breadwinners.well as good breadwinners.Three out of four customers prefer our brand of dish Three out of four customers prefer our brand of dish soap.soap.

Furthermore, do not use language that is demeaning or Furthermore, do not use language that is demeaning or patronizing to either gender.patronizing to either gender.

Not: Not: She is an excellent manager, for a woman.She is an excellent manager, for a woman.For a male, he's a rather competent nurse.For a male, he's a rather competent nurse.The women on our staff—those who haven't left to The women on our staff—those who haven't left to become stay-at-home mother—are hard-working and become stay-at-home mother—are hard-working and loyal.loyal.

But:But:She is an excellent manager.She is an excellent manager.He's a rather competent nurse.He's a rather competent nurse.The women [or better, the employees] on our staff are The women [or better, the employees] on our staff are hard-working and loyal.hard-working and loyal.

Gender-Neutral TermsUnbiased Biased

Businessperson Businessman

chair, chairperson, head Chairman

member of the clergy, minister, pastor Clergyman

member of Congress, legislator, representative Congressman

Firefighter Fireman

Supervisor Foreman

letter carrier, mail carrier, postal worker Mailman

humankind, humans, people Mankind

Personnel, staff Manpower

police officer Policeman

Salesperson Salesman

flight attendant Stewardess

Server waitress/waiter

Avoiding Racial BiasAvoiding Racial BiasAnother form of bias is racial or ethnic bias, which Another form of bias is racial or ethnic bias, which

stereotypes or demeans others based on their race or stereotypes or demeans others based on their race or ethnicity. Blatantly derogatory statements, such as racial ethnicity. Blatantly derogatory statements, such as racial slurs, are unacceptable in any context.slurs, are unacceptable in any context.

Not: Not: A family of Polacks moved into their neighborhood last A family of Polacks moved into their neighborhood last month.month.They have hired several Japs in our department in the last They have hired several Japs in our department in the last year.year.

But:But:A Polish family moved into their neighborhood last month. A Polish family moved into their neighborhood last month. (Or, better, “A new family moved into their neighborhood (Or, better, “A new family moved into their neighborhood last month.”)last month.”)They have hired several Japanese employees for our They have hired several Japanese employees for our department in the last year. (Or, better, “They have hired department in the last year. (Or, better, “They have hired several Japanese employees for our department in the last several Japanese employees for our department in the last year.”)year.”)

Such distinctions based on race should be made only if Such distinctions based on race should be made only if they are important to the context. Otherwise, it is they are important to the context. Otherwise, it is unnecessary and inappropriate to mention an individual's unnecessary and inappropriate to mention an individual's or group's ethnicity.or group's ethnicity.

In addition to racial slurs, racial bias also includes humor In addition to racial slurs, racial bias also includes humor targeted at a particular group. Such jokes are never targeted at a particular group. Such jokes are never appropriate.appropriate.

As is the case with gender bias, racial and ethnic bias As is the case with gender bias, racial and ethnic bias can be perpetuated by thoughtless or repeated use of can be perpetuated by thoughtless or repeated use of negative examples, such as referring to black unmarried negative examples, such as referring to black unmarried mothers receiving welfare or Mexicans being illegal mothers receiving welfare or Mexicans being illegal aliens. Such obviously biased, and generally aliens. Such obviously biased, and generally exaggerated or inaccurate, examples should be avoided.exaggerated or inaccurate, examples should be avoided.

Furthermore, as indicated above, terms used to identify a Furthermore, as indicated above, terms used to identify a group of people often acquire negative connotations over group of people often acquire negative connotations over time. For this reason, it is not always easy to determine time. For this reason, it is not always easy to determine the correct or currently acceptable name for a group. the correct or currently acceptable name for a group. Therefore, when referring to a group of people, use the Therefore, when referring to a group of people, use the term that they currently use to refer to themselves. If you term that they currently use to refer to themselves. If you are not sure what that term is, ask a member of the are not sure what that term is, ask a member of the group.group.

Not: Not: I believe this region was once the primary home of the I believe this region was once the primary home of the Eskimos.Eskimos.A large number of Indians attend my son's school.A large number of Indians attend my son's school.Many Oriental students study at that university.Many Oriental students study at that university.

But:But:I believe this region was once the primary home of the I believe this region was once the primary home of the Inuit people.Inuit people.A large number of Navajo children attend my son's A large number of Navajo children attend my son's school.school.Many Asian students study at that university.Many Asian students study at that university.

Avoiding Age BiasAvoiding Age BiasIn the United States and various other countries, looking In the United States and various other countries, looking

and feeling young is considered by many to be very and feeling young is considered by many to be very important. Perhaps because of this obsession with important. Perhaps because of this obsession with perpetual youth, aging, and particularly becoming “old,” perpetual youth, aging, and particularly becoming “old,” are sometimes looked down upon. However, it is are sometimes looked down upon. However, it is unacceptable to show disrespect or disregard for unacceptable to show disrespect or disregard for individuals beyond a certain age, just as it is individuals beyond a certain age, just as it is unacceptable to show bias toward any group.unacceptable to show bias toward any group.

Avoid using demeaning terms to refer to older individuals.Avoid using demeaning terms to refer to older individuals.Not: Not:

My manager, Mr. Winchester, just had his 50th birthday. My manager, Mr. Winchester, just had his 50th birthday. Now he's definitely over the hill.Now he's definitely over the hill.Mrs. Jensen, that old biddy, sometimes requires too Mrs. Jensen, that old biddy, sometimes requires too much of her employees.much of her employees.

But:But:My manager, Mr. Winchester, just had his 50th birthday.My manager, Mr. Winchester, just had his 50th birthday.Mrs. Jensen sometimes requires too much of her Mrs. Jensen sometimes requires too much of her employees.employees.

Also, avoid examples, illustrations, and Also, avoid examples, illustrations, and jokes that are disrespectful or that jokes that are disrespectful or that reinforce negative stereotypes based on reinforce negative stereotypes based on someone's age.someone's age.

Avoiding Other Types of BiasAvoiding Other Types of BiasIn addition to avoiding gender, ethnic and racial, and age bias, it is important to In addition to avoiding gender, ethnic and racial, and age bias, it is important to

not stereotype or demean individuals based on occupation, religion, not stereotype or demean individuals based on occupation, religion, economic class, political beliefs, intellectual or physical impairments, and so economic class, political beliefs, intellectual or physical impairments, and so forth. Again, when referring to a particular group, use the term that they forth. Again, when referring to a particular group, use the term that they prefer to use themselves.prefer to use themselves.

Not: Not: John Dunn is a right-winged fanatic.John Dunn is a right-winged fanatic.He works as a janitor in our building.He works as a janitor in our building.Luke Weston, a poor working man, barely makes $15,000 a year.Luke Weston, a poor working man, barely makes $15,000 a year.Mary Jane will be mentally retarded for life.Mary Jane will be mentally retarded for life.

But:But:John Dunn is a dedicated conservative.John Dunn is a dedicated conservative.He works as a custodian in our building.He works as a custodian in our building.Luke Weston, a member of the working class, barely makes $15,000 a year. Luke Weston, a member of the working class, barely makes $15,000 a year. (Or better: “Luke Weston makes $15,000 a year.”)(Or better: “Luke Weston makes $15,000 a year.”)Mary Jane will have an intellectual impairment for life.Mary Jane will have an intellectual impairment for life.

Avoiding EuphemismsAvoiding EuphemismsWhen writing to avoid bias, it is also important to be cautious when using When writing to avoid bias, it is also important to be cautious when using

euphemisms. A euphemism is a mild or vague word or phrase that is euphemisms. A euphemism is a mild or vague word or phrase that is substituted for one thought to be offensive or blunt. Such words should be substituted for one thought to be offensive or blunt. Such words should be avoided when they are simply used in irony or derisively as a means of avoided when they are simply used in irony or derisively as a means of mocking political correctness. Though they have their place (as when a mocking political correctness. Though they have their place (as when a speaker or writer is genuinely trying to be tactful or sensitive to another's speaker or writer is genuinely trying to be tactful or sensitive to another's feelings), euphemisms can be unnecessarily wordy and indirect. Therefore, feelings), euphemisms can be unnecessarily wordy and indirect. Therefore, when avoiding bias, use euphemisms appropriately.when avoiding bias, use euphemisms appropriately.

Not: Not: When your hair turns white and your face has more character, talk to us When your hair turns white and your face has more character, talk to us about helping you meet your long-term care needs.about helping you meet your long-term care needs.Those in our country with a darker skin color are more susceptible to Those in our country with a darker skin color are more susceptible to strokes.strokes.

But:But:If you would like more information, talk to us about helping you meet your If you would like more information, talk to us about helping you meet your long-term care needs.long-term care needs.African Americans are more susceptible to strokes than other Americans.African Americans are more susceptible to strokes than other Americans.

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