I’ve read and heard some people say that Obama will get the black vote simply because he’s black (even though he’s only half black). Back when Hillary was in the running, I heard people assume that female Democrats would vote for her simply because they were female. Some probably assume the same about women voting for McCain now that Palin has joined his ticket. I’m sure you’ve heard similar stereotypes about these or other groups, such as Mexicans, Asians, Jews, Arabs, Christians, or gays. It’s tempting to paint a group with a very broad brush and forget that any group is made of individuals who might or might not match the group’s stereotype. I’ve done it myself, and you probably have as well. Why? Convenience? Prejudice? Ignorance? The problem is that doing so assumes that each individual lacks the capacity to think for him- or herself and make independent decisions. What an insult! Here are some other assumptions that you might have heard:

• All Mexicans are here illegally.
• All preachers just want your money.
• All poor people are lazy.
• All Christians are Republicans.
• All environmentalists are liberal wackos.
• All Muslims are terrorists.
• All Americans are self-centered warmongers.
• All cops like donuts.

Obviously all of these are false, but there are people who honestly believe them, or at least spout them off. There are many other, even more sinister and offensive assumptions out there. A CNN columnist wrote an interesting article about this issue with regard to the black community. Sure, analyzing the differences among various groups requires some generalization. But almost any generalization is bound to have some exceptions.