Bias in History Textbooks

Bias is a universal issue that is evident in all aspects of life. Being bias is when a person prefers an idea and possibly does not give an equal chance to a different idea. Taking a side to a certain topic and viewing a situation from one point of view. According to Michael Romanowski in the article "Problems of Bias in History Textbooks", authors of these best selling textbooks have their ways of looking at the world and their point of view is the only one being seen. In his words, "My intention is rather to review ways in which apparently "factual" passages in textbooks can communicate biased assumptions and judgements." (179)

Discrimination is a one of those sensitive issues that should not be overlooked and viewed as less important. During World War 1, African Americans were experiencing a time with a lot of racial violence, and non acceptance. Segregation was everywhere and the black community was being treated unfair. "although discrimination against workers led to race riots in 26 northern cities in 1917, African Americans in the north made significant economic gains during the war (1992, 747)." The wording and use of "although"' is what makes this statement become bias. Comparing discrimination and economic gains is not even comparable. Being put down and treated unfairly because of the color of your skin is not normal and should never be tolerated. Racism ruined many lives and even caused many deaths. The gain in economics seemed to be as equivalent as discrimination to this author. Turning a fact into a opinion, resulting in a bias assumption.

If you can shop for less and get items at a affordable price, that's a good thing right? The term bargain hunter is categorized as a positive in America, but not so much to Bragdon, McCutchen, and Ritchie. During 1942, the Japanese American interment was what was occurring. This was a time where the federal government ordered 120,000 Japanese Americans who lived on the west coast to leave their homes and live in 10 large relocation camps. " Detainees had as little as 48 hours to make arrangements for their homes, businesses, and farms. Many had to sell their property at loss or abandon it. Bargain hunters descended on them, taking advantage of their plight (1992, 882). By saying that these "bargain hunters" descended on them, that is automatically making these people who were gaining economically from the interment a negative. Not only do these textbooks communicate bias assumptions but they fail to mention the important information that is a essential aspect of understanding the history as a whole.

Being a student I am told numerous times by teachers that critical thinking is a good skill to have in becoming a better reader. By reading this article, it has made me more aware of the importance of reading between the lines and not taking what is written as being all the way