A stereotype is a generalization based on the false assumption that characteristics displayed by some members of a group are shared by all members of that group. Stereotypes are often based on ethnicity, race, gender, religious beliefs, or sexual orientation. But stereotypes can also be based on people’s economic backgrounds, the schools they attended, the regions they come from—even their appearance or musical taste. Stereotypes, especially negative ones, are a form of biased language that put a speaker’s credibility at risk.

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Stereotyping can come into play when speakers make claims beyond the facts that their evidence proves—by generalizing about their topic. Suppose a presenter offers a few examples of people who received jobs through affirmative action policies but who didn’t have the skills or experience required for those jobs. The speaker argues that those few examples prove that everyone who benefits from affirmative action is unqualified. The speaker would be making a claim without proof and thus perpetuating a stereotype.

Take special care to use arguments that avoid stereotypes when discussing topics that are loaded with potential for controversy. For example, if you wanted to argue against affirmative action, you could claim that race or gender should play no role in any hiring decisions. Or you could advocate for other remedies for reducing discrimination in society, thereby acknowledging that discrimination does exist.