Generally speaking

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In general, men generally prefer women who are generally shorter and younger than they generally are. Generally, women generally prefer men taller and older than themselves. Also in general, this word sucks.
Could we stop using it? It perpetuates the fallacy of composition and gender stereotyping, two things this forum could use a little less of.

Pointing out correlations (you have noted two perfect examples), is perfectly valid. The fallacy of composition occurs when one assumes that that generalization applies to an individual (eg. assuming that Sally doesn't like you because you're short). To avoid falling for this fallacy, we need to understand that it is those assumptions which are unfounded, not bury our heads in the sand and pretend that the correlation doesn't exist. Now if you object that some observation is a hasty generalization, then make that objection known and argue that point.

Another objection to generalizations of this nature, is that they refer to socially constructed tendencies which our society would do better without, and that by pointing them out or using them to affect our actions, we perpetuate the destructive social construct. This argument, however, fails on two levels: Firstly, I believe that understanding, not ignorance, leads to social change. Secondly, I do not believe that our tendencies are wholly the result of social constructs. As with any nature vs. nurture question the answer is invariably both.