No True Scotsman
When a generalization is made true only when a counterexample is ruled out on shaky grounds.
Example
- Christianity makes people good. If we could turn everyone Christian, the world would be so much better.
- What about the Ku Klux Klan?
- They don't count. They're not real Christians.
Famous Examples
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The essence of all religions is one. Only their approaches are different. -
Ted: Look, all I'm saying is that Boston women are, on the whole, a paler, uglier sort than women from the else where's of life.
John Bennett: That's bullshit. What about Lori? She's hot.
Ted: No, Lori is from Pennsylvania. That's not a Boston girl.
Context: Ted (film)
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