Sweeping generalizations can sometimes be more inaccurate than they are accurate. And when faulty generalizations are used in an inappropriate manner, they can be incredibly hurtful and destructive.
So is it ever appropriate to make generalizations about people? Well, perhaps sometimes generalizations can be useful when applied with wisdom, grace, and common sense.
How Making Generalizations About People Can Sometimes Be Useful
You have heard it said, “You can’t paint people with a broad brush.” Fair enough, but you can paint people-groups with a broad brush. Whether we believe it or not, we do it virtually every day. Don’t feel guilty about it, despite what the PC intelligentsia and the media are trying to make you believe. The Apostle Paul did it, and even Jesus himself did it.
In fact, you can’t even have a cogent dialogue without it sometimes. I don’t have much space to elaborate here, but you can figure this out for yourself. It’s common sense, so teach it to your kids. Don’t let our deluded culture brainwash your kids with “uncommon” sense. Stereotypes—though, sometimes not even true for a group—do, sometimes, have merit nonetheless.
Picture provided by: pxhere.com