Religion
Faith-based belief systems and organized religions have shaped – and for many continue to shape – how we frame ideas and communicate ethics and values. Witty detects antisemitism and anti-muslim language but also points out more subtle faith-based expressions at odds with accepting religious diversity.
By using stories and pictures in our heads to share ideas, religions have played a vital role in forming and cultivating stereotypes. Even people who don’t believe or are intensely private about their faith use language shaped by the religions that dominate the culture they live in.
Unconscious bias
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Belief
Wording pigeonholing people of a certain belief or unconsciously expressing one belief as the standard; thereby devaluing other beliefs.
Basic Example
Advanced Example
Slurs + hate speech
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Anti-semitism
Do you write this expression on purpose or as a “it’s just a joke”? Try to take the perspective of a person of Jewish faith: It is extremely offending to them because it defames them as human beings due to their religion. Using it has consequences for the whole social group as it creates or reinforces a prejudice against Jewish people.
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Islamophobia and anti-muslim sentiment
Do you write this expression on purpose or as a “it’s just a joke”? Try to take the perspective of a person of Islamic faith: It is extremely offending to them because it defames them as human beings due to their religion. Publishing it has consequences for the whole social group as it creates or reinforces a prejudice against Muslims.
