Question

Scenario: Sheree visits her mother in her retirement home. They catch up on each other’s lives, and soon enough they get into an argument about Sheree and her unwillingness to have children. The argument always escalates at this point but this time Sheree takes a moment to reflect on the reason behind her mother’s persistence in having a grandchild. Sheree remembers that out of all her siblings, she is the only one who is married and perhaps this is why her mother is anxious. She comes to a decision that she will hear out her mother’s side of this argument and to keep in mind that her mother just wants what is best for her.
In this scenario, which method for avoiding biased language is used?

a. Identifying and confronting stereotypes.
b. Making an effort to understand others.
c. Consciously choosing inclusive language.
d. Asking for feedback.

Answer 1

B, making an effort to understand others. Shermer tries to understand things from her mother's point of view.

Answer 2

The correct answer is B. Making an effort to understand others.

Explanation:

Biased language refers to the use of words, phrases, and expression that include personal judgments, stereotypes, personal appreciations, etc. because of this, biased language is also a type of imprecise, subjective language and can be offensive or hurtful. In the case presented, biased language is likely to take place as Sheree and her mother have opposite points of view and position about whether Sheree should have kids or not.

But this type of language is avoided by Sheree because instead of directly providing personal judgments that might be offensive to her mother, Sheree makes an effort to understand and listen the reasons and arguments of her mother and avoid using language that might make her feel attacked or judged mainly by analyzing her situation and the ones of her siblings from the perspective of her mother. Therefore, in this case, biased language is avoided by "making an effort to understand others".