My little blog.

Brodkey Presentation

     Linda Brodkey’s piece “Writing on the Bias” discusses how her childhood memories and personal background showed her the importance of learning with biases and knowing the differences between writing with a bias and writing without. She believes that writing without a bias is practically impossible. I believe that this is because everyone has a definite voice when they write, and that voice is based on experiences. Everyone has their own experiences, thus you have your own biases. I find that I use a very biased voice throughout my writing, and I am very passionate about what my opinion is within it. I always want my readers to hear my thoughts exactly, and I must agree with Brodkey when she says that she feels children should be taught writing within a bias. In most cases, it is the most effective to use bias; however, there are small exceptions that are very ineffective.

     It is effective to portray your point of view on a subject to someone when trying to persuade them by using your own biases. Your voice will be stronger if you use your own personal bias. In using that bias in such arguments, (i.e.: presidential candidates), you can basically get your point across more strongly and definite to the contrary side. Your voice helps to expose your opinions on certain subjects so that your audience can see the intention of the piece more clearly. When I write opinionated pieces, I tend to select arguments that I am most passionate about because I want to express the way I feel about my side of the argument. I want to show my readers that I am able to discuss what I feel. By using a bias within arguments, you are able to show your readers how well you can discuss upon a subject which shows them how well you are informed. When you show your audience that you have a strong voice, or bias, within your piece, then the audience trusts you and finds you as a reliable source.

     If you use bias incorrectly, it can have a counter effect on what you are trying to get across to your readers. If you are writing a research paper, you can’t have bias involved with it because it becomes a very opinionated piece if you do. You can’t say something like, “It’s obvious more people like dogs then cats, because all of my friends have dogs”, because well…you’re just saying you know a lot of people who own dogs, and you hate cat hair. With voice and biases within a research paper, you are left with a very opinionated piece. I feel that the only exception to not include a bias would be a research paper, since they only contain the facts and you must show each side of your argument equally.

     It’s obvious that bias is effective in most writing pieces except for the small exception of factual reports. As I stated before, it is effective to use it when you are trying to persuade someone to a point you are passionate about. If you use the biased voice and tone then your audience will find you as someone they will find you as a credible source to form their own opinions on the subject.