How can I not generalize?

Question

You dismiss my solid arguments because I generalize. What choice do I have? It would be impossible for me to say, liberals tend to do this, except for Lisa Smith and Bob Preston and Sally Fckwad. I do not have the time to evaluate 300 million citizens individually. I will continue to generalize. Look, if the shoe fits, well you know the rest. And if the point I make is a size 12 and you are an 11 1/2 that is close enough, put the dam shoe on!

Answer 1

I have yet to see a solid argument.

On this site, nicolasraage makes a solid conservative argument. You're up there with John Skerry. Senseless insults do not constitute a solid argument.

Answer 2

Generalizations aren't bad- they are in fact, often necessary. In analyzing data we find patterns. And we need to have some understanding of what the probability of events occurring actually is. Outright dismissal due to generalizations on the other hand, is bad.

For example, while not everything the Bush administration states is entirely incorrect, much of it is misleading. So as a general rule, I'm skeptical of their statements since they've been wrong so frequently in the past.

For example, President Bush loves to talk about the average tax cut which Americans received. But the average isn't as significant a number as the median, because it's easily weighted by numbers at either extreme. The median gives a much more accurate picture of how the majority of people are doing.

There's an old joke where Bill Gates walks into a bar. The place is packed, full of poor unemployed steel workers. The bartender says "Look on the bright side guys, on average- now we're all millionaires!"

Now, the Republican aren't alone in this regard- there are plenty of democrats who will throw out red herrings in order to stir the pot and get votes- no matter which party you're talking about, politicians are politicians. But the Bush administration's track record of mis-stating, re-stating and carefully tiptoeing around wording to paint a picture consistent with their agenda instead of "calling it as it is", I find embarassing.

But back to your point, if people are criticizing your methods and their criticism has no basis, then don't let it bug you. There's always plenty of knee-jerk noise in forums like these.

Answer 3

Generalizations are a slippery slope. Not all liberals are communists, some vote republican on issues. the other way around works too. John McCain was joked about as being a democrat, yet now he is in cahootz with the president.

Generalizations are merely simplifications of a world that one has a difficult time interpreting.

Answer 4

I know, It's really hard not to because generalizing is exactly what it means. It's what commonly happens, and it's only the exceptions that occur that tend to challenge that generalization. I kind of feel you on this topic. I tend to generalize as well, but usually keep it to myself. Best thing to do is to keep your mind open. Looks at both spectrums. It's generalized for a reason, and if it doesn't really bother you to just let it go, if it does then look into why it is that way. Peace.

Answer 5

You can get specific. "Liberals like Ted Kennedy and Hillary Clinton have repeated pushed for.....".

Whereas if you say "liberals", that is such a blanket term as to be meaningless, much along the lines of "they say that...".

Who is they? Who are these liberals that you hold up as an example to the rest of us?

And 11 1/2 is not a 12. Closeness only counts in shaving and hand grenades

Answer 6

Take each situation separately. Review the example you just gave...what if you are a size 12 and have an 11 1/2 shoe...is that still close enough?

Take a deep breath and relax....

Answer 7

It's one thing to generalize. I think we get into trouble when we OVER generalize. Saying why does A do B suggests that all of A does B, which is an over-generalization. However, if you say why do some/many A do B, you are merely talking about those the statement pertains to.

Answer 8

Generalizations are never true, irregardless of who says it.

Absolutes are never true, irregardless of who says it. Well, okay, this absolute is true...

Intelligent debate is lost when you attack the opponent instead of the issue.

If I give you $11.50 change instead of $12.00, that would be okay?

Note to dukalink6000: Closeness counts in horseshoes also.

Important: Irregardless is a real word, it is a proper noun, a really nice restaurant in Raleigh, NC...

Answer 9

I think the people who say quit generalizing are the people who have nothing better to say. I don't know that the whole points thing was such a good idea.People will say anything for two points. Even if it is a (pointless) remark.

Answer 10

"my solid arguments"

Skinny 19 living at home Republican wannabe.
"liberals tend to do this".
yep.18,19 tops.

Conservative conformist to afraid to think for himself (yet).

Get out and live.And quit complaining.I know you want to be conservative to accomodate the conditional love of your parents,but please.