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Re: Stereotyping? This doesn't bode well for audience analysis...
Subject:Re: Stereotyping? This doesn't bode well for audience analysis... From:Bruce Byfield <bbyfield -at- progeny -dot- com> To:"TECHWR-L" <techwr-l -at- lists -dot- raycomm -dot- com> Date:Thu, 19 Apr 2001 13:15:23 -0700
"Hart, Geoff" wrote:
> Ah, you _observe_, Watson, but you do not _see_! <gdrlh> Nope, my comments
> were not specifically directed at you, but since you bring it up, I feel
> obliged to point out that your personal experience (like mine) is limited
> compared to the wide range of people who exist out there.
Of course. That's why I say that reality is tentative. But, unless you
see a well-conducted scientific study, what else do you have to work
with except your limited personal experience?
It seems to me that, with the best of intentions, you are on the verge
of confusing the distinction between generalization with stereotyping.
That's easy to do, because both involve making statements about groups.
The difference is that stereotyping is not based upon observation or
logic (although it may claim to be), while generalization is (or tries
to be). And, while stereotyping isn't subject to revision,
generalization should contain an awareness of its own limitation, and be
altered as new evidence emerges.
This difference is important, because, while we can hope or try to avoid
stereotyping, we can hardly avoid generalization. Language, science - in
fact, almost every realm of human activity - relies on generalization.
So, when generalization is confused with stereotyping and considered
something to avoid, what is being advocated is essentially impossible.
--
Bruce Byfield 604.421.7177 bbyfield -at- progeny -dot- com
"Rose bouquet, wedding band,
Their recipe for romance might have come out of a can."
- The Mollies, "I Don't Wanna Go to Bed"
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