It is important to distinguish between an ism and a mere generalization about group differences. Generalizations that have statistical validity are not isms. An ism assumes that the generalization applies to an individual.

Says Colonel Thomas Murray, chief Army psychiatrist in South Viet Nam: “Some of our psychiatrists are the most improbable military guys: soft, flabby, unexercised.”

I went to the beach to look at the sunbathers, at least some of whom went there to be looked at while they worked on their tans.

Yeah, good shout. We might get an idea of what we're up against before we park up and do business.