I realize that one of the key criticisms that BPers have regarding RP is the use of generalizations and statements such as "all women are like that."

But then I also think of other generalizations which might be made in other instances. For example, I'm a US citizen, and I've heard some very pointed criticisms and generalizations made about me just because of where I was born. However, I don't take any personal offense over it, since I see it more as a symbolic criticism, tempered by the knowledge of the history of my country and some of the unseemly activities which our government has gotten involved in.

I understand completely, and some of the criticism is quite fair and direct - even if it doesn't apply to me personally. It's because I know that I am innocent that it doesn't affect me or bother me in any way, even if people say "Americans are scum" or "Die, you Yankee capitalist pigs!"

I can even deal with similar statements and generalizations about men. They really don't bother me, since I don't really take them personally. I also realize that there are many men out there who are scum. I understand this and acknowledge this, so I have no issue with those making similar observations and perhaps even some generalization along with it.

But what I would also acknowledge is that this is a human trait: Some humans are scum. Not all of them, of course, but there's at least enough of them that we can recognize how some people can reach a certain cynical attitude, at least enough that one may find good reason to be careful.

I think one of my biggest complaints about BP is that they seem unwilling to meet anyone halfway on this and many other issues. That's why the "debate" seems to always run in circles here.