It's really hard not to generalize and stereotype people when events happen such as the "reporter" throwing his shoes at President Bush. (By the way, I thought that his actions were senseless and stupid).

It's easy to say, "all Iraqi people" are like that. "Those Iraqis, they do the dumbest things."

Yet we can't do that. When I was in a middle eastern country last September, it was articulated to us time and time again that the people there didn't like their government (especially their president), didn't like their policies and asked us not to let their politicians be a representation of the rest of the people - especially the "person on the street."

One woman said (and I paraphrase), "if it weren't for our governments, we would all get along."

Not every Muslim is a terrorist, just as not every American is a bigoted, racist person (and those do exist).

I guess what I am saying is that when we have an interaction with anyone of another culture, race or ethnic group, we can't throw them all into a "bad group" if it was a good experience or a "good group" if it was a good experience.

Within each society and culture are good people and bad people. Ethical people and non-ethical people. Kind people and rude people.

Not all Americans are the same.
Not all French are the same.
Not all Africans are the same.
Not all Asians are the same.
Not all Pentecostals are the same.
Not all Baptists are the same.
Not all Catholics are the same.
Not all Republicans are the same.
Not all Democrats are the same.
Not all "northerners" are the same.
Not all "southerners" are the same.

We, especially as Christians, should not be guilty of stereotyping groups, recognizing that stereotyping is different from the just and loving use of generalization.

Jesus said in John 7:24, “Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment.”

In our ordinary use of language today, a “stereotype” is a generalization that is not built on what Jesus calls “right judgment.”

Merriam-Webster defines a stereotype like this: “a standardized mental picture that is held in common by members of a group and that represents an oversimplified opinion, prejudiced attitude, or uncritical judgment.”

Implication for Christians: Beware of forming stereotypes—unjustified generalizations. Not only do they tend to hurt people (or unduly puff up the pride of others); they are also unreliable guides in life.

Let's expand our worldview and realize that we live on a diverse planet - and at the same time seek a oneness of heart and spirit in the midst of our differences.