Entry2_ Do Thuy Duong

Item 1: Bias in Media

Source:

http://www.mikhaela.net/2009/09/cartoon-leave-caster-semenya-alone.html

Analysis:

Caster Semeya is a South African middle-distance runner and world champion South African middle-distance runner and world champion. She was involved in a controversy regarding her gender. The Governing body IAAF, have requested from the South African Athletic Governing body that she should do a Gender Test to verify for certain the exact sex of this athlete.

The picture portrays the humiliating “gender testing” situation, in which Semeya was under speculation of her gender, hence two other men requested to “check her shorts” and made her wear heels to run so as to prove that she is a real woman.   
Type of bias: Discrimination

Item 2: Bias in research

Single Mothers 'Bad For Society', Pew Research Center's Latest Poll Finds

The survey results captured the sharp divisions that exist in this country when it comes to beliefs about new family structures. Aside from single moms--that is, single women raising children without a male partner--the survey asked about gay and lesbian couples, unmarried couples raising children, mothers of young children who work outside the home, inter-racial unions, and mothers choosing not to have children.
The results were used to separate the group of 2,691 adults into three clusters: "Accepters," "Rejecters" and "Skeptics." A half to two-thirds of "Accepters" did not take issue with these trends, while a majority of "Rejecters" believed that, other than inter-racial marriage and fewer women having children, the other trends were bad for society. "Rejecters" were also the only group to say that working mothers are bad for society--61 percent of Rejecters answered this way. "Skeptics" were divided in their opinion, though almost all of them thought that single motherhood was bad for society, a belief shared by "Rejecters."
"Accepters" were the only people to say that single mothers were good for society--13 percent--while 74 percent of the group said it made no difference. To get some sense of this huge division (69 percent of the overall population were "Skeptics" or "Rejecters") we spoke with the author of the report, Rich Morin.

Source:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/02/21/single-mothers-bad-for-so_n_825446.html

Analysis:  

This research is only based on a certain group of participants. 2,691 adults cannot represent a whole society. The title, which is also very misleading, stating that single moms are ‘Bad For Society’ is like putting on blame on them, as if they are the ones that cause harm to the entire society.

Type of bias: Assumption

Item 3: Bias in Politics

Prejudice alive and well against political women

Sexism in male voting habits is also alive and well among a small percentage of men, but it is rarely articulated publicly. The Huffington Post reported on 37-year-old steel worker Rick Ryan, who supported George W. Bush and then Obama in past presidential races, concluding after a short address from Bachmann in Iowa: "Typical woman: show up late and fold under pressure. You really want that as president?" I have been a strong supporter of advancing women in politics, and of both Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Premier Anna Bligh. Indeed Queensland has witnessed the rise of powerful women: Bligh, Quentin Bryce -- my recommended appointment for governor to the Queen and
now Australia's Governor-General -- president of the Queensland Court of Appeal Margaret McMurdo, and State Governor Penny Wensley head the list. The Queensland parliament in 2001 had more female members than any other parliament in Australia, and in world terms was only bettered by Sweden. Australia has now reached a level of maturity about gender in politics which is ahead of the US.
But just how tough is it to be a female political leader in Australia? In my view it is still tougher for a female leader; this applies to even the simplest of things. A male politician can get away with a wardrobe consisting of a handful of suits, and provided he changes his tie and shirt daily he is regarded as well-dressed. Woman leaders, however, are judged harshly by both sexes if they are not dressed well, and need a wardrobe full of different combinations of clothes, which is why black, not diamonds, is a woman's best friend.
Then the question arises whether to wear conservative dress suits or dresses, and if a dress, how short and fashionable should it be? Meanwhile, the male politician is still wearing his safe and sturdy grey or dark blue suits that fit all occasions. It is hard to be badly dressed if you are a man in a suit.
Women are also disadvantaged by our stereotypical expectations of appearance. I was overweight for most of my political life and it was never an issue. An overweight female leader would attract adverse comment, even if it was only among the latte set on Saturday mornings; we still view female politicians through sexist eyes. There is no way I would have been a politician if I were a woman.

Source:

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/opinion/prejudice-alive-and-well-against-political-women/story-e6frg6zo-1226117934810

Analysis:

There is a common idea of a mass that women should only retreat to the kitchen and leave important work for men. Therefore, the concept of women in politics seems a little bizarre and daring to many, however, it is a really good sign proving the stance of women in our society. Their roles in various aspects of life have been extended and equaled with men. This article about Michele Bachmann is a nice example that illustrates for the idea of feminism rise in modern day.

Type of bias: Prejudice