How does someone with an opinion on almost every political issue write a paper that is nonpartisan and unbiased? At the beginning of junior year, I found myself asking this question. The opportunity to explore this problem presented itself in my independent study class where I could create a project of my choosing. I knew that if I wanted to write a research paper on a topic that interested me, I needed to seek objective information. For me, this was uncharted territory. So often, my classes would ask for opinion papers or for my view on a particular topic. I had never been challenged to write a non-partisan paper. The consequence of this type of learning was that while I had an opinion, it was never as fully developed as it could have been
In this essay, I will explain why Texas should retain the partisan election of judges. Texas is one of the few states that elect their judges using a Partisan voting method. Partisan elections can be unfair and can misinform the voter. A high legal position such as a judge should never be chosen in such a manner. Partisan elections often cost more than nonpartisan elections in campaigning. Partisan elections are also more likely to lead to straight ticket voting or mindless voting. Partisan elections also lead to more campaign contributions and can increase the power of constituencies. Lastly partisan elections can cause an imbalance in equal represent the population. Therefore, Partisanship voting does not belong in the courts of Texas and
When it comes to my political beliefs, I am indecisive between being a Republican or a Democrat. The reason for this, is because I never really showed enough interest into learning more about politics. As for my politically ideology, I feel that I am more liberal than I am conservative. In theory, ideology is defined in two ways, “(1) Organized set of political attitudes based on underlying principles”, and “(2) a cohesive set of beliefs that form a general philosophy about the role of government” (McAtee). An Individual’s political ideology can be formed from public opinions and agents of socializations (McAtee). According to the quiz I took on “Politopia.com”, the results showed that I was “Centerville”, which means that I am in between of being a Democrat or a Republican, or that I support both sides and yet oppose to both sides.
House Bill 5 is a dense legislative bill describing the new requirements for graduation from Texas High Schools. The bill specifically addresses four areas of concern including: curriculum, assessment, accountability and higher education (Texas Association of School Administrators).
Bernie Sanders is the former senator of the state of Vermont and is currently running to be the democratic representative in the 2016 Presidential Election. Bernie Sanders has stated that he is a socialist democrat but it is unclear whether he is either a socialist or a liberal. His statement is unclear because on some topics he takes on more liberal view than a socialist view. Bernie Sanders is known for being a strong believer of the government helping out the economy more and having the wealthy pay more taxes. He wants less poverty in society and help it have a consistent middle class. Two issues that I agree with Bernie on is his views on helping the economy and his views on the war on terror. Bernie Sanders is a strong supporter
Everyone has experienced some type of stress in their life. Whether it has been from work, school, or troubles at home, stress is stress. If anyone had played sports in high school, you know the challenge of balancing school and sports. Imagine that stress, then multiply it exponentially. Everyone knows that college is a much more rigorous version of high school. The only reason some athletes made it to college is due to scholarships for their performance on the field. If they don’t perform well on the field, that scholarship might get cut. This makes practicing the athletes main priority. However, college athletes have to concentrate on their grades so they don’t drop out of college. These athletes know they may not make it to the pro’s, so they know they have to have a back up plan. This back up plan is called a college degree. So college athletes have to concentrate both on sports and classes. Sounds kind of challenging. This is why I believe student athletes should be allowed to miss classes occasionally due to their sport. Athletes are under much more stress, are required to attend practices and classes, and complete their homework. This is simply impossible to do, at least for a human. I believe that this is an important topic because it affects all college athletes.
One of the first things we have learned about politics this semester is that there is a constant struggle over the true definition, especially in how broad or narrow the definition is. When Thomas Jefferson wrote that “Politics are such torment that I would advise everyone I love not to mix with them.” it is understood that he is referring to the electoral and governmental aspects of politics. If Dr. Michael Rivage-Seul and Leslie Cagan were to read this quote, they would argue that Jefferson has an extremely narrow view of politics and that if one were to desire a more accurate definition, they would have to look further than the restrictive culturally accepted definition. Martin Luther King, Jr. would also disagree with this definition but he I think he would have a bigger problem with the advice that Jefferson is giving. All three of the authors that we have looked at would, in one way or another, be forced to disagree with Jefferson based on the principles that they try to uphold and emphasize in their writings and speeches.
Whether it is through a newspaper, television, magazines or talk radio, people will always communicate through some type of medium. Now, whether or not the mediums are tainted with bias is a question of beliefs. Some people argue that journalism today is rather fair and balanced, while others would vehemently oppose that view by saying that bias is definitely prevalent in news media and other mediums today. In some instances, there lies the belief that the fairness doctrine should be reestablished in order to mend the problem of bias; however, many would strenuously fight that by arguing that such an act would destroy the freedom of the press guaranteed under the first amendment. Another argument surrounding this issue is the expectation of journalists to be as objective to each issue as possible. Contrary to this, people argue that it isn’t possible to be completely objective. Many arguments surround the issue of media bias.
In the novel, The Quiet American, the main character, Fowler, claims to be neutral throughout his whole life. With the help of his opium addiction, Fowler tends to put himself in the role of a journalist and to only provide the facts. Any statement tainted by opinion, Fowler disregards. Fowler attempts to take no action and have no opinion. This degree of objectivity although desirable for Fowler brings into question its practicality. Objectivity may be impractical due to the emotional nature of humans. And yet could be practical if someone were to be cautious about the bias in their statements. The problem here is not about whether someone could think only unbiased thoughts, but whether they could function daily.
Few people know their own political beliefs. Although this sounds strange I truly believe it, considering the varying political opinions that are constantly being thrown at us from the television, the news, the radio, magazines, our families, and even the president. So much influence makes it hard to maintain personal political views; your own opinion can easily be swayed. The media often presents information on current issues that may cause someone to stray from their original, authentic position. In order to reestablish a personal opinion, everything else must be set aside, and all outside influences disregarded. Having done this, and having taken several political quizzes, I was surprised to find myself, according to the political quizzes, considered a centrist- a moderate or middle grounder. Prior to exploring my own political views I considered myself a conservative. Having been influenced by the media and especially by my family I thought of myself as a true conservative in every way. Until recently, I never even bothered to have my own political views; what I heard from family members I accepted as true and learned what I could from the media. Although I still passionately support the Republican Party on many issues, I discovered that with all other influences set aside, I have more moderate, and surprisingly several liberal opinions than I ever would have acknowledged.
There is always more than one side to a story; likewise, there is always more than one side to history. Worldview effects how historical events are recorded. I believe varying world views through which the history has been written has skewed the truth about the rise of Christianity and in order to deduce the closest possible truth, differing historiographies must be compared.
Journalism students will hear the words “objectivity” hundreds of times as they study their field. Though it may seem like an easy conversation to have in class, humans are prone to opinion. Anytime a war happens a Journalist is assigned report on that issue. They are sent overseas to report the news to their country about what is going on. Everyone is watching the news, so how do you?, and how much of the news do you deliver? Journalist Vincent Hugeux said, “Objectivity is an obsession that we must drop. It is used negatively, by those who consider that we’re not going along the same lines.” Objectivity in war journalism has blurred lines, and the some older scholars agree that news should remain objective, but understand the issue with it.
To ensure the material presented is not too influenced by our own bias people must take a second and examine our thoughts ask ourselves do we feel strongly about this subject. If so we can suspect a bias. After identifying the biases we have to work to keep them contained or to just let them go completely and approach the issues objectively by looking at all points of view.
When most individuals pick up a newspaper, or magazine, or any other form of well-noted journalism, they expect that it will be truthful. By that, I mean that the consumer anticipates receiving factual documentations. That ideal has been well expressed, however, since the beginning, journalists have added their more than objective points of views. For journalists, it has become harder and harder to keep their opinions to themselves. The "hotter" the topics, that they cover become, the more they are personally drawn to them. It is then instinctively natural for them to contribute their experience and opinions in a more than ideally objective way. Opinionated journalism, as apparent as it is in all subjects, has practically been deemed more than appropriate, and even acceptable in sports reporting. In one related article entitled "U.S. men still playing catch-up," by Elliott Almond, there are many instances of so-called slanted journalism.
Simply put, know what you are talking about! It’s not enough to know what a couple of buzzwords. You need to understand what they mean and why those buzz words are creating a stir in the marketplace. When you care enough to educate yourself it projects outward. People will see that you are the type of person that will go the extra step to make sure you are in the know. If it takes a little time to research your topic before writing about it, than do it. It’s worth it in the end. Nothing sounds more foolish then someone writing about a topic that they don’t understand. It will come across in your writing.
In trying to attract new audiences, news media have begun to transition from reporting to becoming a form of entertainment. With the meteoric rise of social media’s role as a news source, the fight for an increase of diversity in the media, and the ever-growing desire of immediate content, the future of responsible journalism is more important than ever. Ask yourself, why do I think the way I do? Where do my political views originate? How do I prove them? Most likely, it is due to the biased portrayal of issues in the media and the politicization that accompanies what we consume. Now, compare your views to your preferred news reporting entity. More than likely, they are the same.