Class Assignment 1

I believe that there are many different elements that could lead to one’s bias. One of those being the way they were raised. The way parents feel about certain topics influences a child’s opinions on these topics. If a whole family has strong opinions and voices them, it will be more difficult for the child to voice opposing opinions. I feel as though children often grow up believing their parents know everything, and have the answer to everything. This may lead to one not hearing or believing other arguments on an issue. Furthermore, I believe that your peers and where you live have a large influence on your bias. Often times there is a majority feeling about certain issues in a specific area. I believe it would be difficult to hear other sides of an argument if you live in an area with a heavy majority opinion. 

My biases came from my family. I grew up with very opinionated family members, and, being younger, it was often times difficult to disagree with them. However, as I’ve gotten older and gone to college, I have had the opportunity to hear different opinions on issues. I believe college and meeting new people made my biases weaker. 

            I believe that there should be strict gun control. However, I do believe in the second amendment. Owning a gun should be a rigorous process that requires a thorough background check and age limit. This is a very difficult subject for myself because I do enjoy the sport of shooting guns and hunting, but I do understand the horrible consequences of having a gun in the wrong hands. 

            It is important to keep personal bias out of writing and reporting because a truthful and reliable writer will include both sides to a story. The purpose of reporting is to inform the public with information they need to make their own opinion. I will keep my biases out of writing a story about gun control by researching both sides to the story. I will take into consideration what each side would need to be informed on in order to form their opinion. I would separate my own feelings on this topic, and try to see the issue how one with the opposing view may feel about it.