What is this problem with labels?

[Rali_hates_Mondays]

I was having an online discussion with my friend over the islamophobia that I encountered with the guys, which I mentioned in my previous thread. However, what struck me was that my friend seemed really cynical over the word "islam ophobia" saying that it was new word, it's a "label" and he expressed his dislike over labels. He implied that labels don't do anything other than cause further discrimination. But this isn't about people worried about being labelled gay; this is a more serious label. I don't know why he got so obsessed with my use of the word islamophobia- well what else am I gonna use to describe the fact that my fellow students said that there should be a holocaust for Muslims?

However he did have a point that this will create new limitations over freedom of speech like "you can't say that cos that's islamophobic." But really I don't know why else he was kicking up a big fuss. Although this has brought the matter of labels to my attention. Why does it cause so much upset ? We are all different and to understand our world we have to use labels to differentiate. He also asked name 5 benefits from using labels?

 

[gsdx]

Labels go on clothes. As soon as you attach a label to a person, you are saying "He is different than I am."

 

[Nonimus]

Labels go on clothes. As soon as you attach a label to a person, you are saying "He is different than I am."

But surely humanity needs labels - we need to identify who is who and what is what - even when we look at clouds we 'see' things like 'faces' 'animals' etc - placing labels on them, creating order from chaos.

Labels are just a natural way of identification. I think its people's own insecurity that fears labels - they're not completely happy with themselves and don't want to be what may be interpreted as a 'label'

I'm happy being gay and i don't mind being labeled "Gay" - its what i am.

 

[slobone]

Don't know what your friend had in mind, but I do think there's a danger to using "name-calling words", which is that they tend to shut off communication and lump people together when it might be more helpful to make pertinent distinctions.

In other words, just as it's hurtful and inaccurate to label people with derogatory group names like wog, nigger, chav, spic, fag, etc., so it's maybe not any more illuminating to call them racist, sexist, homophobe, islamophobe etc.

And certainly there's been a proliferation of these labels in recent years, which tends to make people stop listening when a new one shows up.

 

[teh_nathan]

The problem with labels is that they exist at all.

 

[ahotjock71]

It's just human nature to use labels. We want to differentiate ourselves from the pack, and put others into groups. Humans cannot comprehend everyone being the same. Because we are not.

Labels are not a bad thing!

 

[teh_nathan]

They're not in a way, then you get the odd person like myself who refuses to conform to any label not that they're necessarily a bad thing to me, but I've never really "fit in" before so I'd rather not now.

 

[Nonimus]

They're not in a way, then you get the odd person like myself who refuses to conform to any label not that they're necessarily a bad thing to me, but I've never really "fit in" before so I'd rather not now.

First labels are bad because 'they exist' - (pithy statement of the year) then 'They're not in a way'? You may refuse to conform, but that doesn't mean people don't label you and it doesn't mean that you're not labelled already.

 

[Nonimus]

So you would call yourself a "non-conformist"?

It's a simple question, which requires a simple answer - unless of course you'd make yourself look a complete hypocrite by answering it? huh?
teh_nathan?

 

[bma1983]

But surely humanity needs labels - we need to identify who is who and what is what - even when we look at clouds we 'see' things like 'faces' 'animals' etc - placing labels on them, creating order from chaos.

Labels are just a natural way of identification. I think its people's own insecurity that fears labels - they're not completely happy with themselves and don't want to be what may be interpreted as a 'label'

I'm happy being gay and i don't mind being labeled "Gay" - its what i am.

I couldn't have said it better.

 

[Andreus]

i know that there are a few groups that i could fit into, but none of them completely define who I am.

they just help people understand my perspective more easily

I dont have that much of a problem with them.

I have a problem with people who view humans as static and unchanging. they seem hell bent on prooving that people dont evolve.

The truth is that change is the only reliable thing in the universe and I often reevaluate where i place people in my mind. If i don't i miss out and misinterpret the world around me and the people in it.

 

[teh_nathan]

Nonimus,

I didn't post to be attacked and provoked and I refuse to dignify that question with an answer.
For your information, I was sleeping (it was 1am. think.) and didn't see the question until now. Not everyone has their eyes glued to the screen 24/7, you know and that's a rather unfair thing to expect from people.

"teh_nathan? teh_nathan? Hello? Are you there? You were asked a question" is only going to piss me off.

I don't think anyone likes to be goaded to answer a question. That's no way to get the answer you want. I also don't think anyone likes being "ganged up on" to answer a question either. I quit school about 10 years ago thanks and such antics belong in a schoolyard, not on JUB.

If you can reword your answer to something that is less attackish and provoking, I might give you the answer you're looking for. That's if I decide to give you a chance, which I'm not inclined to do right now. You already had one chance and you annoyed me, why should I give you another?

Anyway, now I have subscription for the thread off so that I don't see any further attacks and provocations (which to me, should qualify as against forum policy - if I was blocked once for attacking a mod, you should be blocked for attacking another member).

I said previously "I refuse to fit into society's labels". You have a brain between your ears and you can deduce whatever you like from that statement, I shouldn't have to spell it out for you with neon letters.

It's a simple question, which requires a simple answer - unless of course you'd make yourself look a complete hypocrite by answering it? huh?
teh_nathan?

 

[screwnutty]

We are all human beings.

Human beings greatest fear is change and running into things that are different. We use labels to justify hating this group, or killing off that group or ignoring this group.

The government, religion and any authority power that I've failed to mention uses labels to maintain control over it's ppl.

This is never going to change.

 

[Andreus]

i've never believed in conspiracy theories

its been my experience that the malice of one man is usually enough to cause any observable harm

 

[sparky95]

I can't see the problem with lables like gay myself!