A blanket statement

A blanket statement is a generalization. It is a statement that “covers” a whole group or category, without recognizing the differences or exceptions, especially when talking about stereotypes.  It is an all inclusive (or exclusive) statement. 

1.      It is human nature to make blanket statements (many times unconsciously) and generalize about everything under the sun when giving our opinions. We can’t help it! This example is a blanket statement!

2.      Many people say that alternative medicine is for hippies. That’s a blanket statement… a stereotype.

3.      “Iran wants to wipe Israel off the face of the planet”, is a generalization. More specifically, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and his “cronies” are intent on destroying Israel.

4.      “Young people think they know everything” is a common blanket statement. Can you think of any others?

5.      Couples, when arguing, often make blanket statements by using words like, “Always” and “Never”...

 

6.      When a man gets frustrated about the way a particular woman is driving, he may say, “WOMAN DRIVERS!”…which insinuates that women in general are bad drivers.

7.      My students tell me that all politicians are corrupt. That’s a blanket statement which might just be true!

8.      “Life in Brazil revolves around the beach”. Can you think of other blanket statements for your country?

9.      “It’s much more difficult to learn a new language as an adult”, for me, is a blanket statement that is not necessarily true. It may seem true in observation, but it is up to each individual to overcome their barriers.

10.  It is debatable whether we can apply a blanket statement to the question, “Is piracy theft?” There are valid points to be made on both sides of the equation. If someone pirates a music album, a video game, a movie or an episode of a TV series, software etc, does it inevitably result in the loss of a sale? If you steal a car you steal the original. If you pirate a movie, it is a copy of the original. What is your take on this?