Why is it that women hate generalizations?

[Anonymous]

It seems we can't have a general question about women without some ladies jumping all over someone for making a general statement. Why are women so averse to generalizations? Life and human beings are understood in generalizations. If we ignored generalizations we would never understand anything about the human race. I know, I know, everyone is different, but there are commonalities as well.

Why are women so sensitive about them?

[ThenThereWas1]

I am not entirely sure if women are more or less opposed to them than men are. But if women are indeed more opposed, my theory is that they've been put in a very small box for a very long time, and literally had to FIGHT to get out of that box, so the last thing we want is to be bombarded with labels.

Also, like Sparrow said below, people don't like to be put in a category they don't belong in--especially they they find that quality unattractive.

As an example, I hate it when people say things like "girls like to gossip" because I don't, and I find that extremely offensive that someone would associate such a childish quality with me because it's a generalization about *some* females.

[Asker]

But would you agree that gossiping is a behavior more often found in women than men? I'm not saying you do it, or any other woman here (wink) but the generalization holds true.

It's also true that most men are pigs in the sense the term is usually used to describe us. Certainly more than women are. It's just true and I won't deny or take offense at it.

I just don't understand why women can't be more honest and humorous about their gender rather than getting snippy about it.

[snowangle]

Because on this site, they're most present in questions like "Why are all women attracted to jerks who treat them badly?" or "Why are women so b*tchy?"

The problem is they are negative and truly ignorant generalizations, and the askers of those questions are usually just trolling or ranting.

[Asker]

The flip side of that coin is that there is some truth in every generalization, and I think it often hits a little too close to home for some.

[MallyJJ]

Ironically one would have to use a generalization of women to answer this question, but women don't like being lumped into a group. They don't like hearing that they are the same as everyone else. They want to feel unique and like they have a special quality that makes them an individual.

[Asker]

I know, I know, NAWALT. :)

[Vandal]

NAWALT lol. Classic.

[Anonymous]

It's the same as being a Republican here. If God forbid you check off the red box when you vote, or watch Fox News, or don't like Barack Obama - you are the devil and are stupid, or whatever other name they want to call you. Fact is that people here have little or no actual life value or experience in the real world. Most are children who live at home with their parents and are so brainwashed by social media and the liberal mainstream media, that it allows them to hold false values. This is most noticeable in women here.

[ThenThereWas1]

Really? I've experienced a fairly balanced ratio as far as politics go. And I've come across several extremely conservative women.

And social media can be brainwashing from both ends of the spectrum, don't try to tell me Conservatives don't like to talk just as much sh*t.

[Opinion Owner]

Well I don't know who you've talked to, but this site as a whole is ultra liberal politically. Ironically some of these folks are also sexually conservative, which makes absolutely no sense. All boils back to no experience in life. These kids read newsfeeds on Facebook all day and gain life insight from that.

[MikeK]

AU +1

[Anonymous]

The more active feminists know that some true generalizations, go against the feminist agenda. So feminists use the media to demonize any man that says something, that is unfavorable to women, in order to keep people in the dark. As a result, many women now believe any generalization about women, is sexist. They also can't stand any positive generalization about men. You can't even use the generalization that men are stronger than women, without women trying to prove us wrong, or getting on to us for generalizing.

[MikeK]

+1

[Anonymous]

I don't really like being put in a group that I don't belong in. I guess that's why I don't like generalizations. There are always exceptions, and I usually relate to the exceptions.

[Asker]

Fair enough. But you see their value, right?

[Opinion Owner]

I understand people feel the need to categorize and compartmentalize others, but I try to avoid it whenever possible. It's not as valuable as some think. It's the breeding ground for racism, sexism, etc. Things like that always start with an "innocent generalization".

[Asker]

Sexism and racism are not tolerated today, but a sense of humor is always welcome, or at least should be.

[Opinion Owner]

Well, humor is a different story, for me. Anything goes, with humor. I never get offended by jokes :-)

[Asker]

I'm talking about humor with regard to how people respond to negativity. The people in my life for whom I have the most respect generally respond to things with humor and humility rather than anger and defensiveness. When those things are gender related, I find women typically fall a bit more toward the defensive end of the spectrum.

[jacquesvol]

Only women?

All women?

Decidedly, you can't live without generalizations...

[Asker]

No, not only women, but more often. That was just a generalization. :)

[jacquesvol]

D-o--N-O-T--G-en-e-r-a-l-i-z-e.

[Asker]

I disagree with that, generally speaking.

[jacquesvol]

Question Asker, :-P

If you really like generalisations, here's one for you: "All Americans famished half a million Iraqi kids to death abusing UN sanctions." link

[Asker]

It's sad if it's true. Generally speaking, of course.

[jacquesvol]

Sad indeed, but the sad numbers came from an international organisation and were accepted publicly by American politicians. Very sad. Here's Richardson: link

[Asker]

Yes, very sad. Now back to the topic at hand...

[MikeK]

I love generalizations and stereotypes - they exist as useful guides to be honest. Like one person was saying, women just can't stand the fact that they can be "dime a dozen" just like men can be ;)

[Vandal]

Maybe they feel like they're being attacked or some other persucatory delusion.

[Vandal]

persecutory* typo

[Asker]

That's valid, but the world is full of negative generalizations about men and we don't see nearly as many men saying "don't make generalizations...everyone is different".

[Vandal]

True.

[ThenThereWas1]

I think the generalizations about men are just as cruel as the ones about women. I do think a lot of women feel victimized as a gender, but that's only because they can't see the whole picture. Some people can't put themselves in another person's shoes and see that men are as much victimized as women.

[Vandal]

Probably...

[Anonymous]

There's a difference between saying "Most men are serial killers and rapists" and "Most serial killers and rapists are men." Most serial killers and rapists are men, but most men would say, "Hey! I'm not a serial killer or rapist!"

[Asker]

All true. But it misses my point. Why is it that the vast majority of complaining about generalizations is done by women, even though there are a gazillion negative generalizations made about men, too? Women seem much more sensitive about them.

Most men are not serial killers or rapists, but we are not complaining about or denying that it is a fact that most serial killers and rapists are men. I'd say we even have a sense of humor about it. Why not so with women (generally, of course)?

[Opinion Owner]

My point was that the terms you use to generalize can make a difference in how people respond. Saying, "Most gossipers are women" is very different than saying "Most women are gossipers." Anywho, I personally think that things are nuanced. I PERSONALLY (not speaking for women in general) feel that often, people use generalizations as a lazy way to complain about specific people's behavior.

[Asker]

I personally think you continue to deflect. Thanks for your input, though.