In My Opinion
Researching and forming an Opinion
Platitude A trite, meaningless, biased or prosaic statement that is presented as if it were significant and original. The term platitude can be used as a pejorative term to describe a seemingly profound statement that is unoriginal or shallow.
In My Opinion
we all use the phrase, “In my opinion” but are we really voicing our own opinion? And how are ‘our opinions’ formed?
Most peoples’ opinions are formed (Or at least heavily influenced) by the media (Reading listening and watching the various forms of media) or by adopting the opinion of a respected person (Parent, friend, mentor, well known personality, admired politician).
Opinions formed by media input
Opinions can be adopted/formed by the influence of:
• The Print Media (Newspapers, Magazines, Posters, Handouts etc),
• Audio/Visual Media (Film, TV and Radio)
• The Internet
Given the amount of data input that we are subjected to in our daily lives (Sometimes verging on information overload) it is very important to be aware of bias if a genuine personal opinion is to be formed.
Really the only truly un-biased source of information is one that presents only the facts with no third party opinions or subsequent editing e.g.
• Watching a live sporting event alone and with no commentary
Aspects of Bias
Statements such as ‘Axis of evil president Hussain’ ... or ‘Liberal Socialist leader so and so said’.... are examples of blatant bias
Sometimes an analyst/commentator will omit facts when reporting a situation in order that the situation seems to conform to their personal bias or will appear to be neutral while deliberately or unknowingly biasing the story e.g.
“The accused, who is said to have links to the Green Party, claimed that”
Common Forms of bias
• Class bias - Favouring one social class.
• Commercial bias - Advertising coverage of political campaigns favouring corporate interests or reports favouring...
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