One equals all perception

It is wrong to "condemn" and entire group, and put the blame there, but due to many reasons ranging from human perception to limited resources; then if certain events take place within a specific segment and that carries common traits it is important to be aware of this and not just fear touching it because it would be "stereotyping".

You mention Catholic priests; if a number of abuse takes place within that segment and they carry common traits it is wrong to claim all priests does this, but it is important to find out why and be aware of the problem.

The Muslim issue. A large number of terrorism these days spring from Islamic fanatical/fundamentalist groups. And of course we all know that not ever Muslim is neither an Islamist fundamentalist or terrorists, but it is important to be aware of that fact and treat it as such, because as it provide information straight off the bat.

And on top of this there is the aspect of human stereotyping, where it is conceptual easier for humans to not consider each single individual of a group, if you do not know the individuals of the group.

So while it is wrong to discriminate or "pin the blame" based on such things, I think it would also be foolish to ignore such facts as well (background/the "group"), to both prevent and solve issues.
That is where "profiling" comes into play as well - something which have been done with serial killers for many years amongst other things.

So "pinning blame" is wrong yes, but utilizing the knowledge, not in my view no.

(Oh, and welcome to the blog-o-sphere )

I find it enlightening when an individual does something horrendous, does the larger group condemn, condone or just ignore it.

The Palestinians celebrating in the streets and the Israelis saddened on 9/11 made it clear to me as to who is an ally and who is an enemy.

The Catholic Church reacted terribly to the abuses.

I condemn the individuals and evaluate the group.

BTW DesR85, I was curious as to how you chose that moniker??

Lack of ideas and I thought it sounds suitable. In my opinion, sure, the group must condemn the horrendous act by these individuals and try to find solutions to the problem, but what I have noticed from time and time again is how people in general are quick to condemn an entire group for the acts of a few but slow to understand and to help one another to overcome these issues.

In fact, why can't the population in general work together with the affected group to heal the rift instead of pointing fingers? Till this day, I have yet to see that happen.

I do feel quite disgusted at this perception. The culture of fear rearing its ugly head. I still remember some reporter who claimed that the VT shooter is a Chinese and instantly the Chinese students there were discriminated. When the shooter turned out to be a Korean, the Chinese community felt that they have been wronged and their reputation tarnished as a result of that report.

After all this hullabaloo, they wrote a letter of complaint to this reporter but so far, he didn't respond or even apologised for that report.

I think we try too hard to accomodate every splinter faction that has zero respect for true honor, tolerance, integrity and truthfullness. If a group is lead by hate mongers, I feel no sympathy for them. There is no negotiating or reasoning with them. If they could keep to themselves, I would say to each his own. But they want to kill anyone who doesn't believe as they do. Our only hope is to teach the younger generation that tolerance is the key. In this day of internet trash being swallowed, no matter how outrageous, it will be a difficult fight to convince a kid raised in a hate filled environment of blaming the world for their self inflicted problems. If you embrace violence, don't be suprised when you are punished.

Of course I will always offer a helping hand to those who want to show respect for others outside their group. People can disagree and still show respect for the basic human rights of others.

I don't think we need to turn a blind eye to those who preach hate towards others. I've got news for all. Everyone feels at times they were treated badly by another group. I will not ignore or appease those who seek to harm me or those who are just trying to live their lives peacefully.

Of course I work at a maximum security prison, so I am exposed to the worst examples of humanity.