Unhelpful sweeping generalization is a statement that groups people or things indiscriminately without reservations or proper logic.Sweeping generalization usually results from stereotyping.

Gratuitous generalizing, based on my observation or analysis, has eaten deep into the power bases of most entities that are made up of people from diversified backgrounds.

It could become a barrier for a community, organization, and to people’s growth. Stereotyping takes away the ability for people to deal with each other on individual bases without being judged based on an affiliation, based on where you were born and based on how you look after you were born.

Typical examples of sweeping generalizations, that I abominate are, “All Selmians do this or that.”  “All Selmians are that or this.” The two statements are flawed and illogical. It may be true that a lot of Selmians do this or that, but it is preposterous to assume that all Selmians do that. Similarly; it is unfair to postulate that all Selmians are “this.” While some members of Selma’s group may be “this,” it is unjustified to assume that all of them are “this.”

I encourage the growth minded people in our area to increasingly defying negative sweeping generalization and continue to partner/collaborate with people who fit their philosophy, spirituality, purpose, assignment, objective, and style. In most cases, this partnership is positive, and the outcome is nothing but momentous. Negative generalizing creates fear, division, and animosity. It amazes me that sometimes; the so called great people generalize or group their own good people because of differences in language or dialect, difference in way of life, because of differences in geographic location, or because of color.

When these consequences of unconstructive sweeping generalizations are established in any group or community, the people become less powerful and ineffective to a large extent. It is true because without unity and love, you cannot become genuinely powerful as a unit.

Each time we meet people for the first time, we have two options; to stereotype and distance ourselves or to observe and deal with the individual based on his or her qualities.

When unnecessary pigeonholing plays no role and people become less judgmental and give others a chance, both parities gain.

Research establishes the fact that persons with great minds know how to deal with people on individual bases rather than in groups. Pay attention to this. God uses people to help people and the devil uses people to hurt people and if not careful, you may misguidedly stereotype a person sent to help you.