Don't you think everyone that generalizes is an idiot?

Question

Seriously, anybody who makes any sort of generalization is stupid.

Answer 1

Well, generally no. People are lazy, however unintentionally, and our minds are constantly trying to place ideas and people into groups as a means of distinguishing them from one another. It's just easier to do that than it is to remember the specific characteristics of every single idea or person.

For example, not every single person that has ever generalized abut anything is an idiot, but in your obvious frustration at those who constantly do this, you call them all idiots. In fact, some very smart and well-informed people are not above generalizing and stereotyping. Now, while some of them may be closed-minded or even uninformed, they are hardly idiots.

Such generalizations are often borne of a lack of experience. Another example: people often tell me that I am "well-spoken," or, more caustically, that I don't "sound black." Although this is often intended as a compliment of sorts, I am offended because it implies that blacks are supposed to sound a certain way, e.g., "ghetto." Now anyone who's ever gone to college with blacks or worked with well-educated blacks knows that all blacks don't speak Ebonics, but those who haven't are more likely to buy into the stereotype that we all talk like Snoop Dogg.

So no, I don't think you're an idiot, just not as well-informed as you might be.

Answer 2

Nope because generalizations are like stereotypes, there is alot of fact in what is said, because if there wasn't fact then it would never be as well known. Most people who get mad at generalizations or stereo types are made because they hit the nail on the head sort of speak. Why get mean when you know its not you.

Answer 3

I hope you see the irony in your question.