Re: Is generalization really that bad?
Thanks for the explanation KC. Personally I am dead against any form of stereotyping. Sometimes personal experiences of a repeated nature take over our better judgement. Anyways , right now , Its not about me personally stereotyping. I read an article and a chain of thought began. Hence why I thought I will ask friends here.
Anyways apologies if I used any strong words.
Re: Is generalization really that bad?
Bingo!
There you go, you’ve answered your own question.
The highlighed part is exactly what non positive generalisationa are, and no one has to make peace them with them, no matter how ‘common’ the phenomena is. It is indeed a terrible thing when you are at the receiving end.
Re: Is generalization really that bad?
No offense taken..we’re all here to learn from eachother. 
Now, about the link you posted…I can see where the author is coming from, but I still stand by my beliefs, that the context of where the generalization is being made is the key. When gathering demographics from a marketing perspective, cencus or other such project, yes, generalizations can be useful and needed, but when it comes to topics such as religion, culture, race, creed etc, I don’t like to see or use generalizations. Like you pointed out, it’s too easy to get swayed in ones own emotions and experiences.
Re: Is generalization really that bad?
Would you be ok if someone attacked your opinion and not attacked you as a person?
Like, you say xyz thing is bad in your opinion, and someone says, thats just a retarded viewpoint (qualifying it by saying its about your opinion and not you as a person).
Now would you be ok with that?
Re: Is generalization really that bad?
who says women are bad drivers?
actually, that is a HUGE wrong… that’s called discrimination. It will be the first thing discussed at work as something not to do
all wrong…
Re: Is generalization really that bad?
if you were in australia doing this, you would be reported
What are you after here CB? I cant understand your purpose.
Why are generalisations bad?
They arent. Only negative ones are.
Why do we look down on generalising? Because we look down on hurting people’s feelings. They can lead to discrimination.
I dont know how it can be explained simpler.
Please dont compare misguided, misinformed, and insulting generalisations, found on this forum and in the community, with those that come about through stringent data collecting.
Thats why people say you cant compare the two. They are completely diff.
I hope this is clear enough.
Re: Is generalization really that bad?
and what makes you think I am doing this? lol .. how about you go to dubai and check within the large corporates and see whats going on in there !! an eye opener experience it will be !
oh and mind you even in England , known corporates are getting away with this..just so you know !
Re: Is generalization really that bad?
^ that’s your justification?
Re: Is generalization really that bad?
Generalising is a common heuristic people use to deal with unfamiliar situations or subjects. Most people rely on generalisation when they are unfamiliar with something but discard their generalisations when they become more knowledgeable and familiar with the situation/person/subject in question. Generalisation only becomes negative when people hold on to their generalisations in the face of evidence to the contrary and treat them as fact without attempting to learn more.
Re: Is generalization really that bad?
It’s like a double-edged sword; it can be helpful and harmful. In psych class, I learned that stereotypes contain a grain of truth and in multicultural diversity class I learned that even positive stereotypes about a group of people create pressure on those members of the group that are exceptions and do not possess the skills/abilities associated with the overall group. It depends on the attitude of the generalizer.
If one believes that the negative generalizations about a group of people are inherent…as in they’re born with such traits…such thinking is dangerous. But if one wants to delve deeper to find out the causes behind the generalization, it can not only remove the negative feelings but can bring about a positive change. For example, let’s say that the media portrays an ethnic group as being criminals…thus perpetuating the stereotype that they have criminal tendencies, are dangerous, etc etc. Some people might take the generalization to mean that these traits are inherent. Others might explore the causes behind the generalization and discover that factors like poverty, lack of education are at work and something can be done by …let’s say the state government…to resolve these issues. If there’s a positive generalization that an ethnic group is strong in maths and sciences…some may take interpret the generalization is an inherent trait…while others will explore the reasons behind it and it can lead them discovering that there is a very rigorous education system in place and it can serve as inspiration.
All generalizations will bring attention to a group of people; that’s a given. But that attention can either be damaging (negative stereotyping, discrimination, etc)…or it can be bring about efforts in understanding and positive reformation.
Re: Is generalization really that bad?
Sadzz, sweetheart you are taking it the wrong way. Point is not racial discrimination at work right now. Question I asked repeatedly is stated in the post you quoted me on, right under the bold bit ! please go read it again.
There are generalizations of all sorts happening around us. when they are positive , some seem to like them with no excuses ! when they are negative oh dear nope we wont take generalizations ..
Its not a marketing issue. Its the way human mind is, the way it works. We tend to get generalized in so many ways we arent even aware of. The personality tests that we take while job application is one of the biggest generalization in my opinion. But anyone made noise? nope. Asians get stopped at airports for random checks more then the others , any noise made? nope.
A few months back during a training session, there was a speaker , who actually started giving us the benefits of generalization and grouping of traits and then I came across that article I posted above , there is more to generalization then what we perceive. That is all that I am exploring here.
Please note, we come here for a discussion. It does not necessarily mean that a person discussing a difficult subject confirms to those beliefs as well. If you turn the subject to judgement of that person instead of talking about the possibilities on the subject , then thats your perception issues that need sorting out. Peace !
Re: Is generalization really that bad?
^ sweetie… I understood what the thread was about 
but what you pointed out about UK/Indian candidates, and the difference in their treatment, bothered me. Hence, I bolded that part.
You can go back to your generalisation topic now. Peace to you too :khatti:
Re: Is generalization really that bad?
Extremely valid point and very valuable input. Thanks so much Mezhgan.
RV, thank you for being so balanced and sharing a real meaningful thought.
The highlighted bit, I think those who do believe that generalizations are acceptable and can be used in a positive manner, this is exactly how it can be done, right? establishing a problem behind a negative generalization is the key. once that is established it should then be looked into carefully to read the causes and problems can be addressed.
Its a very valid point you mention regards traits being perceived as inborn. I feel this is one of the biggest reasons why a certain ethnic group comes under attack by the larger masses.
Re: Is generalization really that bad?
Y u no reply my post 
Re: Is generalization really that bad?
even positive generalizations are bad at times. they could be over estimating a certain groups attributes, skills. sweeping generalization in itself is a logical fallacy for it to be considered as logical to be done. And the respones in the thread are pretty much an answer to why they are bad. But no harm in discussing.