don't you hate it when you go out of your way to NOT generalize, yet somebody accuses you of generalizing?

Question

for example, you say "why do a lot of ____ do this?" and some nitwit comes along and says (usually in uppercase) "NOT ALL _____ DO THIS. STOP STEREOTYPING."

Do we all understand English here? "a lot of" is a far cry from "all"

Answer 1

well, a lot of is still a generalization. Maybe like a lot of the ____ i know or friends know or something. Because unless the experience is pretty personal, the data can be false, and therefore it is still a generalization. Try, for example, something like "Most of the canadians i know are quick to perpetuate stereotypes" then no one can say anything, and your point is more impactful. But yes, this bothers me too. Of course the hypocrites are the worst, i've heard someone sterotype someone for being sterotypical. Pretty fun to shoot him down. if they say that, just engage in a debate, if they don't give up they'll at least learn it's not that easy to sound self-important

Answer 2

I suppose they dont know that you were not trying to generalise but you must realise that making a statement starting with 'why do a lot of' and ending in 'do this' is pretty much generalising or stereotyping. Rather start by saying 'why do some people'. That way you havn't grouped any specific group of people like say blacks, immigrants, males, females, etc.

Answer 3

One shouldn't fully intend to be insensitive to other races and cultures. Now having said that, one needs to remember this wise saying.......

"Political correctness is the antithesis of free speech".

If people are that sensitive to anything that a person can say at any time, they have issues and need some couch time with a medical professional.

Answer 4

i know exactly what you mean and its a damn pain in the as. people are sometimes so damn stupid.