Look at this
poll
Just look at that poll! Is anyone else extremely bothered by that? In the interest of not having a one line diary, my rambling observations below...
One thing that bothers me about this poll is that the bias is not inherent in the words of the poll. It is built into our culture right now. The Sanctity of life is great. That phrase, those words, should not feel biased. This is a good way to describe the Pope's positions. Anti-death penalty, anti war. I view Choice and abortion as more of a debate over when life begins.
Yet, the words seem to only apply to the abortion and right to die debates in this country. We can talk about life and death and not even mention or think of those dieing in war or poverty or disease. That isn't really the fault of this poll, but it is there.
The conservative line is similar. The Pope was conservative with regard to the church. But the word has been hijacked and has little stand alone, non political, use. Yet the word has an inherent 'good word' feel. Why? Conservative is a terrible word. Someone who refuses to move forward is conservative. Conservative suggests fear, lack of confidence: conservative investing, conservative in life. Yet Conservative is worthy of praise. If a forward thinking religious leader today were to die, would they be hailed for their dedication to liberalism? or would another similar word be found?
It is just frightening to see a poll like this and realize that it isn't an isolated incident. It is a bias on a fundamental level, in a way that effects our very words.