In my family I was known as “the baby” (aka youngest) growing
up. At the time I wasn’t a big fan of the title, as to me it conveyed that my
age somehow implied that I was inferior due to my lack of the experience or
knowledge. Now that I have plenty of years behind me, I have absolutely no
issue with this label and have to admit sometimes taking pleasure in reminding
my older siblings of it. I think this is a good example of how we can interpret
the meaning of a label we’re given and how we associate with that
interpretation. It shows that it’s not so much the label itself, but the power
that we allow it to have over us that affects us. I realize that the label “baby”
may not be the most inflammatory, and that there are much harsher things that we
as a human race label each other with. I won’t go into it too much as I’m sure
you’re all very aware of the labels you’ve had to overcome in your own lives, though
I know it took me a couple of decades to rid myself of the not-so-endearing names
thrown at me in my youth.
The thing is, it seems every time we turn around there’s
an opportunity for a label to be thrust upon us via the media, family, work
relations, etc., etc., etc., and as a culture we have such a strong need to put a label on people and things so we can categorize them. How do
we rise above it? As a culture we're most likely not going to stop labeling anytime soon so the best we can do is be conscious with how we use our labels – of
ourselves and of others. Labeling can be used to uplift or degrade, or empower
or imprison. It’s up to us as individuals first to decide the power we want to
give to them, and what type of power that is. And if you have to label, why not
give yourself and others a few to inspire and encourage?
My label for you all today is…”beautiful”…and it’s yours
to do with however you’d like.
With Love.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
From Over There:
“The human need to
label is unnecessary, though it is human nature to label and categorize in
order to form identity. What one chooses to identify with creates a perspective
and world view based on that identification. It is up to the individual how to use
this perspective to interact with those around them.
When one releases
the need to categorize oneself by identifying with a particular culture or
label, one allows for perspective that is based on personal knowledge and
spiritual wisdom, not on indoctrinated philosophy. It is choice of the individual whether to adopt
the cultural teachings around them, or to form their own independent
perspective. It is those with the independent mind that are able to reside
within a cultural group and retain the ability to dismiss the collective beliefs
that feel misaligned with their spirit.
The self-identification
with labels – whether self-made or created through cultural dynamic – may empower
or disempower the individual. It is the evolved spirit that seeks cultural
principles based on unifying humanity with kindness and personal
responsibility.”
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Featured Guest: Guy
P. Harrison
Guy P.
Harrison is a
writer dedicated to promoting science and reason. He is the author of five
highly acclaimed books with critical thinking themes. This week I’m featuring
an article he wrote, Four Simple Reasons Smart People Shouldn't Believe in Races, using anthropological references
to describe how we really are just one race and that the concept that we are
made up of different races is just a cultural creation. I found it very
interesting and much food for thought. Could this just be a humongous form of
labeling one another?
No comments:
Post a Comment