Abstract
This paper reviews Murray and Herrnstein's, "The Bell Curve", a book which created a huge controversy when the research findings described how some races are more intelligent than others. The paper outlines the many factors that the authors of this book failed to take into account, and illustrates how this encouraged a biased and controversial outcome.

From the Paper
"In the book, "The Bell Curve", Murray and Herrnstein state their findings on intelligence and factors that influence it as well as factors that intelligence influences. The authors base a lot of their research on Spearman's controversial general intelligence (g factor) theory of a "general mental capacity"(Myers). According to Murray and Herrnstein, the g factor can be measured by standard intelligence tests. Their research resulted in findings such as: Blacks' IQ scores are about 15 points lower than whites; low IQ causes social problems such as poverty, crime, illegitimacy, etc.; high IQ is the main contributing factor in success and income level; and social programs are pointless because nothing can be done to raise IQ. They also stress an ever increasing gap between the those with high IQs, called the cognitive elite, and those with low IQs. They claim that this is happening because of the heritability of intelligence, the tendency of those with high intelligence to marry others of high intelligence, and those with low or average intelligence seem to marry others with low or average intelligence."

Tags:intelligence, psychology, racism, cognitive, elite, society, success

Abstract
This paper argues that tests are culturally biased, promoting unfair discrimination against minorities. It further shows how this bias is pervasive in all types of testing, whether it be educational, standardized, assessment, entrance, pre-employment, intelligence, etc. and at every level and age bracket. Various scholars are cited who give salient examples of this bias in their works. Although the paper notes that that most experts agree it is difficult, if not impossible, to compose a test that is free of cultural bias, solutions to this problem are presented in a list format at the conclusion of the paper.

From the Paper
"The argument has been put forth numerous times that redesign of tests, eliminating certain questions, or broadening the sample, might be a solution to the bias inherent in testing. Others suggest that redesigning evaluation procedures or revised methods of scoring could help. All have been tried, some have helped, and most have failed.
"What is soon discovered is that all these solutions applied to a fundamentally and inherently defective test will not bring about a positive result. (Bernhard) The thought that all members of every population will look at the world in the same way is false."

Tags:assessment, testing, multiculturalism

Abstract
The paper relates that Amnesty International's members work to protect the rights of people while remaining neutral on the views of the victims it sets out to protect. The paper discusses how the members of Amnesty International remain independent even within the organization and Amnesty International do not accept funding from governments or political parties. The paper then discusses how despite Amnesty International's demonstration of its independence, much of the world's media persists in accusing Amnesty International of bias in their work. The paper examines an article that Amnesty International is politically biased but highlights the weaknesses of the article. The paper then discusses how the NGO Monitor denounced Amnesty International for selectivity in its coverage and political bias specifically in the instance of the Israel-Palestinian conflict.

From the Paper
""Everyone has the right to life, liberty, and security of person," states the third article of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The General Assembly of the United Nations adopted this declaration in 1948. The members of the Non-Governmental organization, Amnesty International, campaign worldwide for the rights named in the declaration and work to protect them. The members of this organization carry out their work by researching issues of human rights violations and publicizing their findings through news media, detailed reports, and advertisements. Amnesty International began in 1961 London as a volunteer movement and is still made up of volunteer activists regardless of their background or religious and political views. These members work to protect the rights of people while remaining neutral on the views of the victims it sets out to protect."

Tags:independence, human, rights, objectivity, anti-Israel

Abstract
The paper examines the problem of racial bias, gender bias, juveniles and capital punishment and the link between poverty and the death penalty. The paper contends that overall, the death penalty may be a necessary evil in our society, however, until we can be one hundred percent sure it is meted out fairly, a moratorium on the act may be in order.

Outline:
Introduction
Racial Bias and Capital Punishment
Gender as a Factor in Death Penalty Sentencing
Capital Punishment and Juveniles
Poverty and the Death Penalty
Conclusion

From the Paper
"Capital punishment has been administered and accepted in this country for over 200 years, however, some states have now abolished the practice, while others continue with sanctioned executions. In 2000, Governor George Ryan of Illinois suspended executions in that state and "commuted the death sentences of all Illinois death row inmates in 2003" (Wolfers 791). Following Ryan's lead, in 2004, New York's highest court ruled that the state's death penalty statute was unconstitutional. Although prisoners still sit on California's death row, executions in that state are virtually nonexistent, however, executions in Texas continue at an even pace (791). "

Tags:race, gender, juveniles, poverty

Abstract
The paper discusses how capital punishment has been administered and accepted in this country for over 200 years, however, some states have now abolished the practice, while others continue with sanctioned executions. The paper relates that in 2000, Governor George Ryan of Illinois suspended executions in that state and "commuted the death sentences of all Illinois death row inmates in 2003" (Wolfers 791). The paper notes that following Ryan's lead, in 2004, New York's highest court ruled that the state's death penalty statute was unconstitutional, and although prisoners still sit on California's death row, executions in that state are virtually nonexistent while executions in Texas continue at a even pace (791).

Tags:justice, death, penalty

Abstract
This paper is on teen abortion and the bias of society. Charts and stats showing the incline /decreasing years from 1950's to the 1990's. Also included is a story of a young girl who died after an abortion.

Tags:SOCIOLOGY / HISTORY, CULTURE, teen abortion bias

Abstract
This essay provides an account of conventional accounts of the history of Columbus' discovery of the Americas and subsequent European colonization, to show why history needs to be received critically to detect bias or propaganda by those responsible for communicating it.

From the Paper
"History is transmitted from one generation to the next through communication and media. Communication is a powerful method of shaping mass opinion about historical events. Yet, communication can be biased, a form of propaganda used to shape mass opinion by those disseminating information about history. In his book "Public Opinion", Walter Lippmann argued that individuals do not know history or the world directly, but instead as a picture in their heads. In other words, people need maps of history to know history, but Lippmann..."

Tags:indigenous populations, infectious disease, slaves, gold, silver, Spain, Indians

Abstract
In this paper, it is shown that Uchida's historical recollection of the American interment camps of Japanese Americas is biased and circumstantial. Of course, the experiences of this author reflect the true-life events of one person's account of the interment, but do not provide a non-biased approach to histrionics of these incidents. Although confessional accounts, if used over a wider population, might give a broader look into this historical malady, the paper shows that Uchida makes no argument to portend the accounts are other than the author's own.

From the Paper
"The issue of Japanese internment during World War II was the critical issue surrounding sovereignty of American citizens that were singled out in the American homeland. Uchida does not present a objective point of view simply because of the accounts that are provided and given by the author relating to historicity. Of course, personal documentation of the interment camps at Tanforan and Topaz reflect an important view of life for Japanese when being imprisoned, but Uchida does not make historical accusations that can explain overall societal and historical legitimacy of this era in American history."

Tags:uchida, japan, america

Abstract
This essay considers whether gender-biased advertisements are a reflection of the social status quo or whether they are actually creating the basis for sexist stereotyping in our society. To consider this topic further, the paper explains that it must be examined from a cause and effect point of view and then attempts to shed some light as to the reasons, both implicit and explicitly, why advertisements rely so heavily on sexist, gender-biased images to sell products. The paper concludes with the finding that mass media can definitely propagate sexual stereotypes as well as perpetuate existing ones.

From the Paper
"Advertisements typically emphasize the use of cosmetics and household wares by women while girls are portrayed playing with dolls and domestic appliances. Boys on the other hand are pictured playing with vehicles and games of war and competition, while men are associated with cars and sports. This in turn creates the impression of women as emotional and dependent and men as aggressive, dominant and independent. (footnote 1) In an advertisement for Nautica, we see two men playing football, a sport associated with masculinity, while wearing the Nautica line of clothing and accessories (Vanity Fair 38-39). If one is careful in observing the ad, the models can be seen wearing watches while playing."

Tags:television, newspapers, magazines, audience, influential, boldness, explicitness

Abstract
The paper explores the degree to which the U.S. Constitution may be said to be "color-blind" and argues that the Constitution is not at all color-blind because it permits many instances of bigotry to go unchecked in private life. To bolster this claim, the paper places a great deal of emphasis upon the work of Dr. Neil Gotanda as well as the controversial case of Plessy v. Ferguson (1896) in which racism was seen to be upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court despite the eloquent protests of one of the presiding Justices. In the end, the paper concludes that there is simply too strong a case to be made that America's constitutional document is racially-biased (and frequently interpreted that way).

Tags:united, states, constitution