Definition of bias: “A subtle a lack of neutrality you have towards a topic” (1).

• Sexual


• Gender


• Racial/ethnic


• Socioeconomic


• Religious (1)

• It can offend the readers


• It portrays a lack of professionalism


• It often contains stereotypes with negative connotations

• If you must make generalizations in your writing, state the basis of them


• Do not measure other people or other cultures against the standards of your own culture, ideals, or morals. Everyone is different and everyone thinks they are right!


• Recognize that differences arising from racial/ethnic comparisons do not imply deficits.


• Make sure that the adjectives you use do not communicate bias. For example, by writing “The responsible high school student,” you may be implying that high school students are not typically responsible.


• Avoid slang and colorful expressions in professional writing. (2)

1. “Everyone knows that only Whites can be racist, and only men can be sexist” (3).
   Revision: It is a well known fact Whites are the race most often assumed to be racist and that men are seen as sexist more often than women.


2. “The teacher does the best she can with what she has been given [the students]” (3).
   Revision: Given that the students have not exhibited adequate study skills, the teacher does the best with what the students offer.


3. “I do not think that the students do much of anything other than sit around and figure out new ways to be a menace to society” (3).
   Revision: There is no revision to make this statement ok. Avoid statements like this altogether.