For a while now, I have wanted to make a statement: BIAS ISN’T PREVENTABLE.
Who we are, is colored by our experiences. Our writing, language, and all forms of communication echo who we are. So how could we ever expect any journalist to present “just” facts without bias?
I know this post will ruffle feathers. So I want to explain how it came to be.
When I tell people I have a political blog, they immediately assume it’s a strongly opinionated, emotions & cuss words flying type of publication. They often say “OH…” with that *I don’t want to go there* face. And you know what, I don’t blame them! I don’t want to debate petty partisan politics at a cocktail party either! These days, we are just too polarized as a nation.
So I often explain, it’s an unbiased account of news stories, translated into a millennial woman’s “language.” Then people often respond, “…but everyone has bias.”
And you know what, they’re right.
I completely agree. Which is why I work EXTRA hard to combat my own biases. I make sure someone from the other side of the aisle reads every political post before it goes up and I have often corrected language that was deemed “slanted.” But at the end of the day… I am a white, American, 1st world, Oklahoman woman. I have traveled and I have been extensively educated. These are facts. They are lenses through which I see the whole world. Despite my best efforts, I will never be capable of simply “putting them aside” while I write posts for this blog. I have recently learned I am not proud of all of these aspects – but I am trying to embrace them as they are who I am. They are not going to change.
To continue with my explanation, I recently posted a Weekday Dish on Instagram where two people with conflicting views, BOTH accused me of being biased in opposite directions with my wording. I couldn’t help but laugh. The issue was one that I have NEVER felt I had a strong opinion on. There are TONS of issues out there that I will admit, I have a strong viewpoint…. But this issue was NOT one of them! I was confounded and simply asked both of them to view each others’ comments, giggling to myself. But ultimately, all I can do is write pieces I consider to be unbiased.
And you, as a reader, need to take everything with a proverbial “grain of salt.”
It is 2018 and the discussion of “fake news” is an ever-present rain cloud hovering over our learning. But we cannot let this discussion stop us from seeking the truth… We cannot allow ourselves to become so frustrated with bias that we stop reading altogether. In my opinion, we need to keep our eyes and ears open but make sure to understand that every person carries intrinsic biases.
I started this blog because I saw an issue…. Women I encountered after college were extremely ill-informed. Many said “I don’t want to register to vote because I don’t know enough about politics to vote.” This BROKE MY HEART. Mostly, because it’s something I have NEVER heard from a man, but also because when you don’t participate in your government, you hand over the reins to those who want power for all the wrong reasons… Men who WILL NOT defend your interests, because they don’t have to.
There is only one way to take control of our government and that is to vote. And if you feel you need all the facts before voting (GOD BLESS YOU – that’s how it’s supposed to work) then I am going to try to give them to you. Or get you to someone who has the answers. I am here as a resource to motivate & inspire you to take part in our government TODAY. I want so badly to answer your questions and assist in learning about the issues & candidates in any way I can, especially for working women who don’t have the time to do their own research.
All that said, I TRULY welcome all constructive criticism/ feedback. If you see something you don’t think is accurate PLEASE raise it with me. All I ask is that we use kindness and be CONSTRUCTIVE – I am happy to correct anything that was confusing, incorrect, or outwardly biased.
Many have said, I will eventually HAVE to choose a side… Democrat or Republican. Liberal or conservative. I will HAVE to fit neatly into one box or the other. All I can say is, I really hope not. We NEED people in the middle now more than ever… And I am doing my best to stay centered for the greater good. It’s not the easy way, but I consider it to be the best way. As I said in the beginning, bias is NOT preventable… I am not going to get it right 100% of the time. But what I hope for, is a community of engaged young women who can help me keep that bias in check in a respectful way. And I hope that each of you know, I am going to do everything I can to keep these posts ACCURATE and honest and as free from bias as I am capable of.
XX,
Antigone