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AP on Polish Abortion Protests: ‘Ultraconservative’ Catholics vs. ‘Young People’

Wednesday's Biased Item - April 4, 2007

Directions

• If possible, print the article before reading.
• As you read, circle or underline the names of people, organizations and important facts.
• Use your own words to answer the questions in complete sentences.

Excerpt

QUESTION:  Read the excerpt below from Newsbusters.org posted by Tim Graham on March 29, 2007.   Then scroll down and read "Types of Media Bias." 
1.  Do you think that this is a good example of bias by labeling?  Explain your answer.

AP on Polish Abortion Protests: 'Ultraconservative' Catholics vs. 'Young People'
Monika Scislowska of the Associated Press reported on Warsaw rallies in support of a complete ban on abortion in Poland. It's restricted now to the first 12 weeks and only in the cases of rape, incest, or the life of the mother. But look at the labeling contrast AP employed, the usual stereotype of the epic political battle between the ultraconservatives and the nonpartisans:

The two marches were organized by an ultraconservative Roman Catholic radio station and a right-wing political party. Mostly elderly demonstrators attended a Mass and marched through central Warsaw carrying Polish and Vatican flags. One banner had an image of a baby and the words, "Can you really kill me?"

Elsewhere in the capital, about 700 mostly young people held a rally with music and balloons in support of abortion rights.  .............

Go to NewsBusters.org for the original posting.

Types of Media Bias

Explanation of Media Bias