On Labels and Their Necessity
11 years ago
General
Time and time again I hear people complaining about labels, but you know what? I like labels. They help me categorize, organize, and identify who and what I am. But what gets me is when people use labels to describe theirselves and then go on a tirade about how labels are evil! For example (and this is just a random example, so nobody get butt hurt): "I am a vegan transgender lesbian bicyclist soldier, but don't label me." WHAT?! How the fuck can you use labels to describe yourself and then get pissed about being labeled?! I can understand if the labels are inaccurate or untrue, but...you shouldn't complain about the existence of labels or their use unless they are in some way offensive (and not the "I'm easily butt hurt" kind of offensive). Basically, we all label ourselves and should embrace the existence of labels for what they are: categorized descriptions of who and what we are.
zidders
~zidders
Labels are fine. It's how our brains work. They categorize and compartmentalize things. It's when labels are used to demean or discriminate against people that it becomes a problem. I personally always suggest that labeling people in your head is fine but when it comes to describing people you should let that person define themselves, and you shouldn't assume that it's OK to treat people a certain way just because they label themselves this or that. Treat everyone like you would want them to treat you.
FA+
