Bias Language in Communication
This
video that is attached above shows the issue of biased language in
communication and how this can have a variety of effects on an individual that
is subjected to biased language in communication(interpersonalspeech1, 2011).
The
issue of biased language in communication is a longstanding issue in society,
and this can generate conflicts. The term "bias language" refers to
language that is offensive, prejudiced, or detrimental and that has a variety
of negative effects on an individual (ThoughtCo, 2019). As
stated in the second blog titled "A General Overview of Ethics and
Communication," communication is verbal and non-verbal and can be both
online and face-to-face. Individuals are often subjected to bias language if
they are from a different race, gender, or religion because they are viewed as different.
Why is bias language an
ethical issue in communication?
Given
that communication can be public and private, public communication is often
through the media and in the media individuals use this medium as an arena
where individuals have this mindset that they can post whatever they feel to
post or say and these contents that are posted or said is often offensive and
discriminating to individuals based on their race, gender and religion,
individuals in the public that use bias language believe that the use of their
bias language is acceptable because it is a form of expressing themselves
because they dislike a person based on
their race, gender and religion. As per ethics this deals with determining good
and evil in this case the use of bias language is viewed as an act this is
wrong because based on the deontological theory of ethics this speaks to one who
has a duty to ensure that everyone is treated equally in this case of bias
language how is this treating someone ethical or equal? Based on the Bible, in
Mark 12:13, "you shall love your neighbor as yourself," there is no
other commandment greater than these. "In the eyes of the Lord, we are all
equal," thus we, as children of God, should treat all fellow humans
equally, irrespective of race, gender, and religion and communicating in a way
that does not discriminate each other.
Steps
to Avoid using Bias language in Communication (Lumen Learning,
n.d.).
1. Avoid
using gender- based words.
2. Avoid
criticizing individuals based on their looks.
3. Write
or speak in a matter that does not harm individuals or let them feel less of a
person.
4. Bear
in mind that we are all equal, thus we should all treat individuals with respect.
In closing this blog, this video discuss in further details to avoid bias language in communication (Leslie Becker, 2017).
Video by: Leslie Baker-https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3IRviCpH_jg
References
interpersonalspeech1. (2011, November
16). Biased Language [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=koLaiKmHzg8
Leslie Becker. (2017, June
20). Avoiding Biased or Sexist Language [Video]. YouTube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3IRviCpH_jg
Lumen Learning. (n.d.). Eliminating
Bias in Language | Communication for Professionals. courses.lumenlearning.com.
https://courses.lumenlearning.com/suny-esc-communicationforprofessionals/chapter/eliminating-bias-in-langauge/
ThoughtCo. (2019, July
17). What Is Biased Language?
https://www.thoughtco.com/what-is-biased-language-1689168
What I've learned from this blog is about how we should treat each other equally and respectfully and how we should avoid using sexist or biased language when we're talking to someone who is younger or looks different.
ReplyDeleteBias language is indeed an issue in society but individuals are not aware of this, thus this blog will help individuals to be knowledgeable on this ethical issue and to avoid it.
ReplyDeleteEspecially racial bias or discrimination is often evident in society and communication which should be the case as it wrong to discriminate a person as we all equal in the eyes of God, i liked the fact that you included the biblical suggestions to this.
ReplyDeleteI think this one of the most difficult things in communication because as humans majority of what we say is dependent on our views which is influenced by our background or experiences. Nevertheless it is important to put all of that aside especially in the communication industry to avoid bias.
ReplyDelete