Bias and Bowling for Columbine

Bias: Having or showing a tendency or inclination toward one side of an issue,

especially one that inhibits impartial judgment
Examples: Tori has a bias for McDonalds over Burger King.
Cory has a bias for Megan Fox over Olivia Wilde.
Marianna has a bias for American Idol over The Bachelor.
In all of the above examples, if these people let their preference cloud their judgment, or
if they express it strongly to others without presenting the opposite opinion of the issue,
they are showing bias.
Bias is present everywhere. An obvious place where we see bias is in the media,
especially politically. Public figures might only present their side of the issue, even using
faulty reasoning to promote it, so that listeners/readers will assume their side of the
issue is correct or best.
As members of society and critical thinkers, we need to be aware of bias and not let it
influence us one way or the other, but instead, consider both sides of the issue to form
an educated opinion.
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In Michael Moores documentaries, he does show a good deal of bias. There is still value
in watching pieces with bias and considering their opinion on an issue, but we do need
to be aware of it and not be blindly persuaded to agree with the thesis of the
documentary you watch.
As you watch the film, please be aware of instances of bias, or any place where Moore
states/shows his side or opinion on the issue, but does not offer a counterargument.
When you see an instance of bias, please jot it down below, and we will discuss at the
end of each class period. You should shoot for at least one instance of bias per day of
watching the film.
For each example of bias, jot down a brief note on what Moore says in the film that
shows bias. Next to each counterargument, write down issues or points the other side
of the argument might say in return.
Example of biased argument:
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Counterargument: _________________________________________
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Example of biased argument:

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Counter-argument:
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Example of biased argument:
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Counter-argument:
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At the end of the film, please answer the following in point form:
In which ways do you think bias strengthens the film?
How did Moores bias affect you personally as a viewer of this film?
Explain whether you changed any preconceived notions you had while watching this
film.