Polarization and Bias

Step-by-Step Guide

Activity

Part 1

In Class:

• Ask students what they know about polarization. Write their responses on the board.
• Introduce the concept of polarization as the division of people into sharply contrasting groups with viewpoints that seem irreconcilable. Examples: 
  • Pepsi (vs) Coca-Cola
  • TikTok should be banned because it is dangerous and might share user information with China (vs) TikTok is a valuable source for social connection across the globe
• Divide students into small groups and ask each group to create a list of areas in which they think polarization exists. This can be small-scale (like soda) or large-scale (like politics). 
• Once each group has completed their list, ask them to share their responses. Write their polarization “divides” on the board. You may consider the following discussion questions:
  • Why do these divides exist?
  • Can disagreement be healthy?
  • When do you think disagreement becomes polarization? Where do we draw the line?
  • In what ways do you think polarization affects society negatively? Can you think of an example?

Part 2

In Class:

• Ask students what they know about bias. Have they heard of the word? In what context are they familiar with this term?
• Introduce the concept of bias as prejudice in favor of or against one thing, person, or idea. Bias can be both intentional and unintentional. Examples:
  • Fans of a sports team support players because they represent their hometown
  • A teacher favors a student who happens to be their son or daughter 
• At AllSides, we believe that everyone is biased, and that’s okay! Being aware of our personal biases helps us understand ourselves and others better.
• Ask each student to think about one area in their life where they feel biased toward something or someone. Students should include:
  • What they are biased towards
  • Why they are biased 
  • How that bias shows up in their behavior, speech, or thoughts
• Allow time for students to share their responses with the class. 

Homework/Formative Assessment

Part 1

Students will complete a brief writing assignment or questionnaire about polarization in an area of their choosing:

• Have each student identify an area of polarization to explore. Students may want to use AllStances™ or the AllSides Red Blue Translator™. They should include: 
  • Topic
  • Explanation of different views on the issue
  • Prediction about ways in which disagreement around this issue could lead to polarization 

OR

• Provide evidence of polarization around this issue that already exists
• Explain how polarization around this issue could impact society (families, communities, churches, organizations, cities, states, etc)
• Brainstorm suggestions for finding common ground between both sides

Part 2

• In what ways do you think bias affects relationships? How do you think bias can draw people together?
• Do you think bias can push people apart?
• How do you think bias and polarization are related?