U.S. defamation law does make a distinction between individuals and groups in this area. It's not defamation to say "All surgeons are butchers" but is defamati

U.S. defamation law does make a distinction between individuals and groups in this area. It's not defamation to say "All surgeons are butchers" but is defamation to say "Doctor (insert doctor's name) is a butcher." (that is, assuming that the doctor isn't actually a butcher... truth is a defense against defamation).