LEFT BIAS
These media sources are moderate to strongly biased toward liberal causes through story selection and/or political affiliation. They may utilize strong loaded words (wording that attempts to influence an audience by using appeal to emotion or stereotypes), publish misleading reports and omit reporting of information that may damage liberal causes. Some sources in this category may be untrustworthy. See all Left Bias sources.
- Overall, we rate The Straight Dope Left Biased based on editorial positions that favor a progressive liberal perspective. We also rate them mostly factual for reporting rather than high due to possible misinformation and poor sourcing within the message boards.
Detailed Report
Bias Rating: LEFT
Factual Reporting: MOSTLY FACTUAL
Country: USA
MBFC’s Country Freedom Rating: MOSTLY FREE
Media Type: Website
Traffic/Popularity: Medium Traffic
MBFC Credibility Rating: HIGH
History
Straight Dope is an online platform that was founded in 1973. It offers a weekly Q&A column and has since expanded to include sections on animals, drugs, politics, and religion. The website has an active online community and allows readers to engage directly with the “Ask the Straight Dope” section. A significant feature is the Message Boards, fostering an active online community.
Straight Dope is a Q&A platform that is similar to Reddit in that it allows users to ask questions and get answers from other users. However, The Straight Dope, with its bulletin board style, is reminiscent of early internet forums, distinguishing it from similar platforms.
Read our profile on the United States government and media.
Funded by / Ownership
The Straight Dope is owned by the Chicago Sun-Times. The Chicago Sun-Times acquired the Chicago Reader, where the column originated. Additionally, Chicago’s public radio station, WBEZ, purchased Sun-Times Media, which owns The Straight Dope.
Analysis / Bias
The Straight Dope covers a wide range of topics; we reviewed the article titled “Straight Dope 3/24/2023: What was neoliberalism, is it dead, and was it really so bad?” In this article, Cecil Adams provides an overview of neoliberalism. Based on the article’s critique of neoliberalism, the author leans towards a left-leaning perspective. The linkage of neoliberalism to the rise of Trumpism and the emphasis on issues like job losses, community disintegration, widening income inequality, and an inadequate social safety net is often highlighted by those on the left.
The phrase “We all know how that worked out…” contrasts the benefits of globalization for the educated elite with its negative impact on blue-collar workers, emphasizing the disparity. Another quote from the article reads, “Of course, neoliberalism was bad. It’s what gave us Donald Trump.” This statement directly links neoliberalism to the rise of Donald Trump, suggesting a negative view of both.
Regarding sourcing, the article hyperlinks to trade.gov, Medium, Wikipedia, and The Guardian. Another article, “The U.S. goes fascist. How do you escape?” by Cecil Adams, dated 2016, is presented in a Q&A format, addressing concerns about a potential fascist takeover of the United States. The tone is satirical. For example, the title hints at a significant U.S. political shift and uses emotionally loaded language. The content implies skepticism towards Trump’s leadership, especially with phrases like “unqualified bully as chief exec.” The article also expresses concerns about the potential persecution of Muslim Americans, emphasizing the fears of minority group mistreatment during that period.
In general, the website is fact-based; however, message boards may contain information this not factual or linked to poor sources. Politically, Straight Dope content and its users tend to favor the left.
Failed Fact Checks
- None in the Last 5 years
Overall, we rate The Straight Dope Left Biased based on editorial positions that favor a progressive liberal perspective. We also rate them mostly factual for reporting rather than high due to possible misinformation and poor sourcing within the message boards. (M. Huitsing 8/23/2023)
Source: https://www.straightdope.com/
Last Updated on September 15, 2023 by Media Bias Fact Check
Left vs. Right Bias: How we rate the bias of media sources