Ethics and Diversity: Confronting Bias in Language

Question 1

“Mothers should remember that a nutritious breakfast is more important for a child than it is for an adult.” Which of the following would be a better way to phrase this statement without bias?a.“Mothers should remember that a nutritious breakfast is more important for her child than it is for an adult.” b.“Parents should remember that a nutritious breakfast is more important for his or her child than it is for an adult.” c.“Mothers should remember that a nutritious breakfast is more important for his or her child than it is for an adult.” d.“Parents should remember that a nutritious breakfast is more important for his child than it is for an adult.”

Revolt · Accepted Answer

B

Question 2

Which of the following is an example of gender biased language?a.“Watch where you are going, Four Eyes!”b.“You better catch that!”c.“Are you deaf?”d.“Hey guys!”

Revolt · Accepted Answer

D

Question 3

Scenario: Laura is offended by an offensive joke Jasmine told at their company party. Jasmine is surprised when she hears this and immediately works to repair her relationship with Laura. Jasmine asks for advice on how to avoid this in the future.

Revolt · Accepted Answer

D

Question 4

Which of the following is not an example of biased language?a.“The chairman will be in shortly.”b.“Give each student his paper as soon as he is finished.”c.“Everyone has a right to his or her opinion.”d.“ Ask the nurse when she returns.”

Revolt · Accepted Answer

C

Question 5

Which of the following is an example of biased religious language?a.“Did you know Catholics are led by the Pope?”b.“I can’t go with you. Sorry, I have to attend mass today.”c.“I can't stand Mormons-they still practice polygamy!" d.“No, thank you. It’s Ramadan. I’m fasting.”

Revolt · Accepted Answer

C

Question 6

Which of the following is not a reason to avoid bias?a.It reinforces stereotypes.b.It creates barriers.c.It leads to conflict.d.It upsets a lot of people.

Revolt · Accepted Answer

D

Question 7

Elaine is going into Pakistan for the first time and staying with a Muslim family. She has never left the U.S. and is quite intimidated by the prospect of encountering a new place. What can she do in order to ensure non-biased language?

Revolt · Accepted Answer

She can research Pakistani and Muslim customs beforehand, avoid stereotypes and assumptions, use respectful and inclusive language, observe her hosts’ practices, and politely ask questions when she is unsure about an appropriate term or behavior.

Question 8

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.

Revolt · Accepted Answer

B

Question 9

Which of the following is an example of ageist language?a.“You’re too slow.”b.“Do you need glasses?”c.“Get a move on, old man!”d.“Are you deaf?”

Revolt · Accepted Answer

C

Question 10

How can you avoid using biased language?

Revolt · Accepted Answer

Avoid stereotypes and assumptions, use inclusive and gender-neutral terms, and choose respectful language that does not exclude or demean people based on characteristics such as gender, age, religion, race, or culture.

Ethics and Diversity: Confronting Bias in Language Answers

More from this Course

TRY EDGENUITY HACKS