Because, obviously, everyone is exactly the same (Stereotypical reference)

Stereotypes. They come into play on a daily basis, sometimes consciously, sometimes not. For the most part, though, people are aware of the fact that stereotypes can't be used to generalize about groups. Most of the time, people strive to avoid stereotyping.

While stereotypes are generally frowned upon, there is one place in which they are ALWAYS unacceptable. In journalism, writers are expected to give a fair and accurate portrayal of their subjects, and stereotypes do not promote that expectation.

In his article "The Crying Shame" of John Boehner, Rolling Stone writer Matt Taibbi ignores the no stereotyping rule and makes a pretty big generalization about the area from which Boehner comes:

Boehner is also an innovator in the loathsome new political phenomenon of men crying in public, co-owning mastery of the habit with screeching media dillweed Glenn Beck. But beyond all of that, Boehner just represents a certain type of hollowly driven, two-faced personality unique to the Beltway.

This is not an appropriate comment to make. First, two-faced personalities can be found anywhere. They are not restricted to a certain region. Secondly, the way Taibbi words the sentence, there is the implication that everyone from the Beltway has the same personality.

People are not the same, even when they come from the same place. Stereotyping or generalizing people should always be avoided in journalistic writing.


Taibbi, Matt. "The Crying Shame of John Boehner." Rolling Stone. http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/news/matt-taibbi-the-crying-shame-of-john-boehner-20110105?page=3. 5 January 2011.