Never and always

We have a bad habit of using absolute words. Like never, always, nobody, everybody. I almost would like to have them excised from our language. Too often we use those words to judge, to stop discussion, to exclude someone or to over-praise. Phrases like "the best of all time" or conversely "the worst of all time" also tend to exaggerate and make an exclusive statement that is a communication stopper. That is one source of prejudice. We utilize group think and most often the always or never comments are negative. 

There are group characteristics but people are still individuals. So when you hear 'always' or 'never' consider it a red flag and carefully question the statements made using those words. We need to treat people fairly as individuals and not prejudge them based on some conscious or unconscious stereotype.

Also, if you hear someone say "you're not like other 'blank'" question it and if it is said to you, don't necessarily take it as a compliment.

While we should reject broad generalizations there are times for all-inclusive language. We started off our country with such a statement. While the existing reality was far from it, we had the aspirational statement in the Declaration of Independence of "all men are created equal". Living up to that has been a continual struggle with its ups and downs - that is why I call it aspirational. The language of the Bill of Rights is full of inclusive language - "Congress shall make no law...." "no person shall...be deprived or life, liberty, or property without due process of law". And the 14th Amendment "all persons born or naturalized in the United States...are citizens". Pretty inclusive language, eh?

I guess you might say that we should always be on the lookout to help every one we can , and never be engaged in hurtful behavior towards anyone. Yet at the same time be very careful to not blanket blame or disregard anyone. And always see people as human, because we all would appreciate being treated fairly. 

In the end watch your words.