Two comments:
1) Putting any collection of individuals together into a lump is an easy first step in the process of devaluing those individuals

2) Dorothy Sayers addressed at least part of this issue in her wonderful; essay 'Are Women Human' As I recall the essay was triggered by a mans' compliment on how realistic the conversations were between her male characters in their club, which as a female she could not have experienced. Her reply was that she just had them talk like people!