What is a personal attack?

[ferri]

Occasionally I see some confusion about what is/isn't a personal attack . I'm going to attempt, without a net, to clear it up for you.

Personal attack---> "ferri shouldn't try to walk and chew gum at the same time. It's just too hard for her."

NOT a personal attack--->"Some people shouldn't try to walk and chew gum at the same time. It's just too hard for them."

See the difference? Another example:

Personal attack--->"You are so stupid!"

NOT a personal attack--->"Some people are so stupid."

But wait! There's more!

Personal attack--->"If you believe that then you're an idiot!"

NOT a personal attack--->"If the National Rock Society believes that then they are idiots."

Make sure you don't single out one person, that's a personal attack. Making a negative comment about groups of people is not a personal attack.