Stereotypes, Generalizations, and Racism

John Piper offers some wise words on stereotypes, generalizations, and racism. Last part:

“So the tough question is: When is a generalization about a group racist? I am using the word racist as something sinful, and the following answers move toward a definition. The following uses of generalization would be wrong (racist):
* When you want a person to fit a negative generalization that you have formed about a group (even if the generalization statistically is true).
* When you assume that a statistically true negative generalization is true of a particular person in the face of individual evidence to the contrary.
* When you treat all the members of a group as if all must be characterized by a negative generalization.
* When you speak disparagingly of an entire group on the basis of a negative generalization without any regard for those in the group who don’t fit the generalization. Or: When you speak negatively of a group based on a generalization without giving any evidence that you acknowledge and appreciate the exceptions. (I assume that Jesus’ generalizations about the Pharisees [Matthew 23] and Paul’s generalization about the Cretans [Titus 1:12] are not sinful because they did have such regard and did appreciate the exceptions.)”

Earlier he provides a great quote from Shelby Steele’s White Guilt (reviewed here). Piper’s essay is worth reading in its entirety.