Equality

[azurelunatic]

I do not dispute that people have a statisitcal tendency towards certain traits from their genetic, social, geographic, political, economic, et cetera, backgrounds. However, the nature of statistics is to flatten the individual out, and only measure broad trends.

While women, say, are statistically likely to display different traits than men, this does not excuse those who assume that because many, or even most, women display a certain trait, that all women will display it. This is the logical fallacy of division. Each individual must be considered with respect to their individual circumstances, regardless of the statistical properties of any broad groups this individual may happen to fall into.

Yes, I realize that it's difficult for very busy people doing a lot to think, individually, about each and every person they encounter. So?

Comments

[boojum.livejournal.com]

True. I was thinking of strangers passing on a sidewalk, but there are cases like strangers in an elevator or checkout line or whatever when there's extended contact and information to be passed.