Although I love to live in Gray area, I have to admit I also love me a label. My brain has to categorize things so I understand things and that could be good, bad, or indifferent. Labels are extremely important whether we want to admit it or not. If I'm looking for a purple couch and you give me a green one, it would have been nice if you followed the label I asked for. If you're allergic to peanuts, you probably would really appreciate a label that says 'peanuts were around the making of this product'. Now, I am using simplistic examples when I recognize we're talking about people but the same applies. If I have a history, again good bad or indifferent, with a certain label of human, more than likely if my chemistry is working for me, I am going to learn to either be around, avoid, or be indifferent when I encounter that label. And yes it takes healing, growth, communication, and all of those deeper things to get past the original perception of the label that has presented itself in my worldview. It could also take work, and even more positive/negative experiences, to turn me into something that maybe I wasn't originally. All of that is called living.
Now the topic of how you treat that person or the assumptions you make about that person are totally different from labels. Usually you're treating that person or the assumption you're making is based on the stereotypes that arise from labels.
So it would be ridiculous to expect me to willingly be in the company of a person who identifies with a label that wishes me unalive. That's just not smart. And perhaps if we got to know each other through some miracle and you convince me that 'yeah I identify with this label and fully support the furthering of its ideals, but no I don't ACTUALLY believe YOU should be unalive', then maybe we could be friends. 👀
As I've read through the posts and responses here, I've labeled each and every one of you. Good, bad, or indifferent. 🤷🏾♀️ The next step is seeing how I treat you afterward 💜
I think lovingspoonful said it best “ They never fully describe a person, and while they can be a source of identity and affirmation, they can just as easily be used as tools to reduce an individual to the single facet the label describes“
I think labels should not be “ absolutes” but more fluid.. we are all many things! 🤗
I usually cut labels off. I hate when they stick up out of my collar.
@Mr_Cuddle_Bear How fitting! Lol so looks like it has a deeper meaning to it as well.
So yes, if you don't like the label people attribute to you, you have the power of expression to change that. If you care to, that is.
Because people will see and judge no matter what.
I only know this about labels; if it says Libby Libby Libby on the label label label you will like it like it like it on the table table table.
Words of wisdom from a 1970s jingle.
I have found in the past that if you don't loudly proclaim your belief system to strangers on the Internet, none of whom know you or likely ever will, you are a lot less likely to get labels affixed to you.
The key is, IMO let your actions create your label. Do not follow a label to form your views. Do not allow others to label you, because they will, it's easier for them.
The real problem is when a 3rd party labels an individual by projecting malicious intent. It is easier then to garner support from others, because the label itself may be hated.
As we progress as humans, creating categories of behavior will disappear and the individual will emerge. Only then can we truly self identify and create our own futures.
Seek, find fault. Flag. Label.
Labeling is hive behavior. It starts out well and good, but cannot be sustained. It always eats itself. Always. We as people keep trying because we want to feel safe. We all want this. Strength is in numbers, but true integrity comes from self strength. Standing alone is scary, but the only path to true self governance.
As a society we have to live through labels to find that they don't reflect ourselves at all. They are applied to you, in an attempt to control you. You may join to fit in. But when the time comes when you have an opinion that doesn't fit the group think 100 percent, watch out.
For this reason, I am an Island. I stand alone.
We’re human beings, labels are helpful to us in the grand scheme. Maybe a “label” you can’t choose shouldn’t be punished. I’m not going to say all men are like this, when not all are, and one does not choose to be born a male.
Like you voting for a particular presidential candidate is a “label”, and you chose that. You have to deal with the consequences, of supporting a very specific type of person. There’s not much to look beyond, and you wanted me personally to do that in our last conversations. It’s okay to not be friends, or to disagree and not include people in your space who are actively harming your friends and communities.
Edited for content [netrunner]
I thought this topic had died after numerous battles in it's defense.......I appreciate it's reimergence in that there have been several thought ful responses that align with my original statement..thank you!
And several thoughtful responses that oppose whatever your original statement was.
Iron..your such a cheerful person..I truly hope one day you find happiness
@dennis22554 It's strange that you equate happiness with agreeing with you.
It's strange that you equate happiness with agreeing with you.
I equate happiness with obedience because I get to pass out treats.