Rules for writers, Tenth edition - Diana Hacker, Nancy Sommers 2021

Avoid biased language
Choose appropriate language
Clarity

Your writing should be respectful and free of stereotypical, biased, or other harmful language. Be especially careful when describing groups of people. Avoid outdated labels and generalizations; instead, consider how people identify, and use the language that they themselves would use. You may need to research current terms, but working to use the right identifying language is an important step in recognizing and respecting your audience.

Negative stereotypes (such as “drives like an old lady”) are of course hurtful. But even if you believe your generalization to be positive, it is harmful to make assumptions based on a person’s or group’s characteristics.