Paradigms

1
Analyzing an Issue

• Paradigms
• Biases
• Fact vs Opinion

2
Using the following cartoon fill in the
accompanying worksheet.
3
Definitions

• Paradigms Rules and conditions we use to
  understand those things we perceive
• Everything that we have experienced effects how
  we interpret and process new information and
  events
• The man in the cartoon may have experienced or
  read an article on extreme feminism

4
Definitions

• Bias - a particular tendency or inclination,
  especially one that prevents unprejudiced
  consideration of a question prejudice
• As we begin to analyze more of the media we begin
  to realize that all viewpoints and perspectives
  reveal some bias.
• As an audience reading and informing ourselves
  about issues we need to recognize these biases

5
Exploring Bias in the Media

• Analyze the following headlines
• P.M. Harper Greeted by Jeers
• What are the facts in this statement?
• What could be omitted by the author?
• Bombings in Iraq Continued by Insurgents
• What is the connotation?

6
Exploring Bias in the Media

• Bias is not always deliberate and clear
• Bias through omission
• Facts that support the opinion of the write,
  paper, corporation are included while others are
  omitted
• Bias through placement
• The stories in the front are perceived by the
  reader as having more importance than in the back
• Bias by Headline
• Most people only scan the paper reading
  headlines these headlines can convey a meaning
  that is not completely true
• Bias by photos, names, and numbers
• The way that an image, person or event is
  presented to you can be swayed by using
  descriptive language and choice of visual

7
The Media and You

• How can you be affected by a single media outlet
  when you read newspapers, magazines, go to
  school, and watch the news on TV?

TIME WARNER COMPANY HBO Time MAD
magazine People Sports Illustrated DC
Comics CNN AOL TransWorld Snowboarding InStyle New
Line Cinema TNT
Rogers Communications CTV 23 different radio
stations The shopping channel Outdoor Life
Network Macleans Chatelaine Canadian
Business Rogers Cable Rogers Wireless Toronto
Blue Jays
8
Facts vs. Opinion

• What is the most important issue today?
• Brainstorm
• Select one
• Then write it on the board
• THIS IS DONE INDIVIDUALLY

9
Fact vs. Opinion

• Opinions are a representation of your perspective
  on the world. They are based on your personal
  judgment of the facts in light of your values.
• Facts are Indisputable truths that can be
  verified by accurate observation and measurement.
  You can not argue facts, they are a reality.

10
Fact vs. Opinion

• FACT Population is near 6.6 billion people
• OPINION Environmentalists claim that a growing
  population, 6.6 Billion and claiming, will lead
  to future famine.
• OPINION Agronomists claim that current
  innovation will allow human population to grow
  well beyond its current level of 6.6 billion.

Opinions use facts to support their points, but
that alone does not make them valid