“The role of a writer is not to say what we all can say, but what we are unable to say.”
Anaïs Nin
Writing is a very powerful tool.
It can inform, inspire, and even influence.
But, like the famous quote from Spiderman’s Uncle Ben, “with great power comes great responsibility”.
Or “the pen is mightier than the sword”
Or how Dr. Jose Rizal has continued to live on through his works Noli Me Tangere and El FIlibusterismo as well as inspired countless millions of Filipino writers to take up writing as a serious hobby or career.
When we write—especially about sensitive topics like politics or social issues—it’s easy to let feelings take over.
And that’s where things can go wrong.
Writers who fail at remaining objective often end up pushing readers away rather than engaging them.
Worse, they might spread misinformation or create unnecessary conflict.
In short?
If you want to be a credible, respected writer, objectivity is non-negotiable.
I’m Probably Just as or Even More Biased as You Probably are
With that said, I have not been the most objective writer over the course of my career. Oh my goodness, I can’t count the amount of work I’ve put out there that reflects my political leanings.
They’re out there.
And I try my best to avoid them because it makes me cringe.
It’s a stark reminder of my youth, ignorance, my biases and other things I really don’t want to remember now that I’m essentially older and hopefully wiser.
I try.
But sometimes some things still peek through.
In my defense, I was not formally educated in the art of writing and what you have in front of you right now is the representation of an amateur’s attempt to be a good writer.
At the very least, I just want to be able to present my ideas in a clear manner and practice my vocabulary a bit without sounding too highfalutin’.
Moving on… What Does Remaining Objective Really Mean?
Let’s get this straight: Remaining objective doesn’t mean you can’t have views or a personal take on a topic.
It simply means presenting facts fairly, understanding multiple perspectives, and keeping biases in check.
Think of it this way: If you were a judge, would you make a decision based purely on emotion?
Of course not!
As writers, we have to adopt the same discipline—especially in today’s hyper-polarized world.
Case in point: there’s currently a political situation that has grabbed the nation’s attention and like Marvel’s Civil War, friends are divided based on their stance on the subject matter. And I have been asked on several occasions about my take on the subject matter.
My answer: no comment.
I know where I stand.
But I don’t want to bring it out into the public light because I don’t want to engage in topics that I don’t really want to dwell on. I’m already swamped with the daily challenges of being a dad as it is.
It’s just sad to see friends burning bridges based on political views or the inability to accept other people’s point of view based on a certain subject matter.
The Biggest Traps That Destroy Objectivity
Even experienced writers can slip into bias without realizing it. And sometimes it happens because we allow it. We recognize that it is coming or see it in our finished work and refuse to edit it out.
These are the biggest traps that destroy objectivity and recognizing it can help you remain objective when you write.
With that said, here are the top culprits that prevent writers from remaining objective when they write:
1. Letting Your Political Leanings Control the Narrative
It’s no secret that political views influence how we interpret events. But as a writer, your job isn’t to promote one side over the other—it’s to present the truth. If you’re writing about an issue related to politics, ask yourself: Am I giving both sides a fair chance?
👉 Quick Tip: Before publishing, challenge yourself to write the opposing viewpoint. If it feels impossible, you might be too biased.
2. Getting Too Emotionally Attached
Writers are passionate people, but there’s a fine line between passion and bias. When feelings take over, logical arguments tend to disappear.
👉 Quick Tip: Take a break before editing. Distance helps you see if your emotions are clouding your objectivity.
3. Ignoring Facts That Don’t Fit Your Narrative
We’ve all seen it—articles that conveniently leave out inconvenient facts. Selective storytelling isn’t just misleading; it’s unethical. We’re supposed to be stewards of the truth, the vanguard that defends the uninformed. We can’t do that if we lie.
👉 Quick Tip: Play devil’s advocate. Ask: What facts am I ignoring? Then, include them.
Tips on Remaining Objective Without Sounding Boring
Some people think objective writing means dry, robotic text.
Not true!
Here’s a secret: I used to think that way too. And that’s why most of the things I’d written in the past were very subjective especially if it involved politics.
Here’s how to stay fair while keeping your work engaging:
1. Use Multiple Sources
Relying on just one source? Bad move. Whether you’re writing about science, history, or social issues, cross-checking facts is essential.
2. Acknowledge Different Perspectives
If you’re discussing a controversial issue, highlight multiple angles. This isn’t about fence-sitting—it’s about respecting others and giving your audience the full picture.
3. Balance Facts and Opinions
It’s okay to share insights, but don’t frame opinions as facts. Instead of saying “This policy is terrible,” say “Critics argue that this policy has negative effects.” See the difference?
4. Maintain a Tone of Understanding and Tolerance
Readers don’t like being preached to. They appreciate writers who approach topics with an open mind. Your goal isn’t to convert—it’s to inform.
Final Thoughts: The Writer’s True Role
At the end of the day, remaining objective isn’t just about professionalism—it’s about credibility.
A writer’s job isn’t to push an agenda but to uncover the truth, respecting others while doing so.
So, the next time you write, pause.
Ask yourself: Am I being fair?
Am I letting my emotions take over?
If you master remaining objective, your words will have more power, more reach, and most importantly—more impact.
PS. The world would be a better place if we could hold healthy discourses, discuss topics with a proactive view and have the ability to see certain topics from other people’s perspectives.
Got comments? We’d love to hear from you.