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Book Censorship and Classic Literature: Understand Bias

Understand Bias

Understand Bias and Expand Your Perspective

Understand your own bias and seek a variety of perspectives for a more complete understanding of an issue.

  • Bias does NOT mean that the information or source is unreliable (although some biased sources do have unreliable information).
  • BUT it is incredibly important that you seek other perspectives that might be missing in a biased source. 

Types of Biased Sources

What is a biased source?

A source that shares a limited perspective about a topic or issue. 

The following types of sources can or often have a biased perspective: 

  • Non-profit or government organizations. These organizations often have an agenda, and they share perspectives and information to support that agenda. The information may be reliable (not always), but look for the perspective not shared. 
  • Businesses and Corporations
  • News organizations
  • Documentary Films 

True neutrality is not possible. All sources exhibit some bias. When possible, think about and look out for perspectives that are not left out.  

Confirmation Bias

What should you do?

How to combat bias

Be aware of your own bias
It is easy to find yourself in an echo chamber, where you read stories and interact with people who share your opinions.  

To gain a deeper understanding, it is important to look beyond sources and stories that merely confirm your opinion.  

 

Read a variety of perspectives

Seek out other perspectives. What do others say about this topic or issue?

The following resources may help you find additional perspectives about current and historic topics. 

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