Biased Language

What is Biased Language?

• language that is considered prejudiced, pointing to a stereotype, and/or offensive

Examples of Biased Language

• Example) All the nurses will be looking forwarded to seeing their husbands after work.
• This refers to the stereotype that all nurses are women when in fact there are many male nurses in the field of nursing.

Examples of Biased Language

• Example) The girls worked themselves as hard as men.
• This language implies that men are the only hard workers and than girls are not capable of working hard themselves.

Where do I see the need for this principle?

• The need for this principle can be found in almost every outlet of writing. Including, but not limited to: news articles, books, journals, medical publications, reports, research articles, etc.

Why is this important?

• Recognizing and removing biased language from writing is important in order to give factual, fair, and clear information.

Basic Rules of Biased Language

• Remove the use of words that have gender, racial, physical, or any stereotype biased language attached to it
• Make sure your language is clear and specific.

Examples of Removing Biased Language

Examples of Removing Biased Language

• Original: All nurses will be looking forward to seeing their husbands after work.
• Revised: All nurses will be looking forward to seeing their spouses after work.