When someone's
character, actions, or opinions are judged SOLELY based on a group or person they are associated with, rather than their own merits or actions. Essentially, it's assuming that negative traits of
one individual or group automatically apply to others who are connected to them.
Works on the basis of things other than
people, (ideas, groups, etc.)
Association fallacy on the basis of
people:
John
James has a brother who committed fraud and
petty theft, so we should really keep an eye on John because he probably learned a thing or two from his brother!
Didn't
Bob Generic spend some time in that labor union? Yeah, we should kick him out before he starts spouting off stuff about eating the rich!
Association fallacy on the basis of ideas:
The Conservative Party has deep ties to traditionalism, nationalism, and anti-communism. Y'know who else did? THE NAZIS! LOCK THOSE GENOCIDAL,
RACIST BASTARDS UP!
The Democratic Party has deep ties to liberalism and worker's rights. Y'know who else did? THE COMMIES! LOCK THOSE GENOCIDAL, OPPRESSIVE BASTARDS UP!