Why are we always looking for ways of separating ourselves from one another? When we call ourselves American, or African, or Mexican, or Mexican American, or African American, we're Catholic, or Jewish, or Muslim, or Lutheran, we're black or white, yellow or brown. We're old or young, we're male or female, gay or straight, smart or stupid.
Why do we use labels to define ourselves as PEOPLE?
We all do it, we whittle ourselves down to a fraction of who, what we really are as PEOPLE.
Isn't there a better way to define ourselves, can't we find a label that unites us instead of divides us?
***EDIT***
My dear husband just reminded me when he read my post that in saying PEOPLE that I have again divided, we are simply BEINGS.
Monday, July 7, 2008
Why Do We Define Ourselves With Division?
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12 COMMENTS:
Depending on what we do with the labels, it can either bring people together or keep them apart. Sometimes the labels help us connect with others who share the same label and same experience quickly, but at the end of the day we are all part of the larger human race. I think it's OK to be both.
Sometimes labels help define an individual, sometimes that individual as part of a community - but in divisive terms labels can divide us as a people (or beings)...
So, what brought on this contemplation of labeling?
your gay fat white being friend,
mo
;)
Mo, I simply believe that labels limit our growth and potential. I grew up in a horribly racially and sexually biased family. I never felt like I was a part of them. I like all sorts of people and I try my best to never let a label choose my friends.
We are all part of the same consciousness and we fragment ourselves and in doing so, take ourselves further away from the perfect beings we were intended to be.
Unfortunately we are simple beings first (maybe I should just speak for myself--strangely enough though, I somehow manage to be both complicated and simple on a frustratingly regular basis) and evolved thinkers second.
I have never liked labels myself (although I too am guilty of using them). There seem to be more and more!
We all label ourselves one way or another. As to why we use those labels to hurt one another and divide? I dunno
Labels are like anything else, they can be good or bad depending on how they are used.
I don't mind some labels, but I do hate stereotypes.
I don't think labelling people happens quite so much in Britain but much of it, I suppose is dependent upon how parents converse naturally. I remember when my son was small he came out of school one day and was telling me about his day. He talked about various children and made me laugh. A new name was mentioned and I asked him to describe the boy to me. He did, and eventually at the end of his description he added oh and he's brown.
Hmm thoughts to ponder... It's morning and the coffee hasn't kicked my ass yet. Have a good day Sweetie!
Deb, see I grew up in just the opposite kind of family - very open and liberal. So my ideas of "labels" are quite different than yours. But I think this is an excellent topic for discussion!
I hate labeling myself... I am so far out of the box when it comes to who I am. I am a multi-racial woman who is constantly being forced to "check one"... and that really pisses me off.
And don't get me started on the whole "black, brown, beige" nonsense.
Hello. First I would like to commend you for a very nice blog. Your time and effort is defined through the detailing and ideas you choose.
I also agree with your partner that we are definitely 'beings' That is our one common factor that can never be changed.
Our differences is what makes us individual and unique. The good-sense of setting us all apart is what makes a very colorful and interesting world.
Thank you for the enjoyable reads and pictures!
Keep moving forward!
~D~
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