How Generalizations, Stereotyping Differ

With regard to AT&T;’s comment that its account executive’s memo about varying ethnic considerations was “offensive” [“AT&T; Exec’s Memo on Ethnic Sales Tips Pushes Buttons,” Sept. 25], shame on both you and them for pandering to those who have nothing better to do than get offended over the most innocuous of comments.

You mention the thin line that companies walk between cultural sensitivity and ethnic stereotyping. The solution is really very simple. All it takes is for both companies and the media to have the courage to stop apologizing every time some attention-grabber cries “bias” and instead call for a common-sense recognition of the fact that stereotyping involves saying that all people of a specific group do and/or say something, and a generalization indicates that large numbers of people within the group (not necessarily all) do and/or say something.

BARBARA ASPENSON

Palms