Nepal, April 5 -- Often times, in a conversation, a generalization or a stereotype becomes a way of comic relief. For instance, whenever you are eating out with friends you might find yourself laughing at your friend being called a "lobhi bhahun" or your Newar friend being forced to pay the bill because all Newari people do is "bhoj". While many might criticize my ability to "take a joke", I can't help but think of how stereotypes, as well as generalizations, have affected not just the average Nepali but the world as a whole.

Basically, generalization is when a statement is made or assumed for a group as a whole, usually neglecting individual differences. Personally, I have heard the phrase "Women are more gentle and tender that men" and...