Do you accept the labels you are given (by yourself or others) be they negative or positive?

Question

Labels are important in a sense, they can help us discern between what will hurt us or help us. But, haven't we taken it a bit too far? How many labels does a human being need, to be a human being?

Answer 1

A gazillion.  If I had to list them all I'd be here forever.  I think they're useful when chosen for yourself (Manchester United supporter) and negative when imposed from the outside (man-hating L*****n) :-)

Answer 2

If the label is crazy insane and out-of-her-mind then I proudly embrace it. Jesus freak, and other such labels and embraced even more. But I tend to avoid negative labels (mainly by making them seam possitive.)

Answer 3

I choose not to accept any labels.

I honestly can't even think of any labels i was labeled with. Considering labels are usually relevant to ethnic and nationality backgrounds, i was never really labeled because i am of mixed race.

I don't think labels help anyone build character, i think it helps deteriorate a persons character and self value for some. Especially when its based off of some one Else's doing that fits some how in the same group you do be it race, religion, gender and, etc.

Answer 4

I don't accept labels that are given to me,what people thinks of me is their business whether it is negative or positive. My principle is not to hurt any one on my journey in this life.

Answer 5

No, I prefer to label myself.

Answer 6

I accept them ,but  I don't absorb them.

Answer 7

Generalization is one very important thing to the human mind.  It's what allows us to know what someone means when they say chair.  

So you don't have to say:

A thing you sit on that may or may not have  4 + posts supporting the main part, the seat, and most likely a back at one end of the seat set at approximately 90 degrees going upward so that when you sit on the seat you can lean back and receive support there as well.  It may also have padding to make it comfortable.  It could also have wheels and be covered in some sort of fabric to give it a pleasing texture.

You'd never have time to get on with life if we didn't have a general term such as chair for the many different things and concepts in this world.

That said, most labels serve a good purpose.  Makes our lives more efficient.  Though, of course, calling an apple an orange is just plain foolish.

Answer 8

I'm not a big fan of labels.  Too often, it seems, they are used as shortcuts to avoid having to take the trouble of really understanding someone.  That said, if people attribute many labels to me, I'm not that aware of it.  The labels I give myself tend to be practical - ways to identify myself in situations where I need to be identified.  I think an interesting side question is what drives the need to label?  It all starts to seem like marketing, to me.  Marketers parse us down to categories so they know how to pitch things to us.  I get tired of being pitched to (at so many levels).  So I guess I'd prefer to keep my labels to myself.

Answer 9

I accept the lables because in some cases they are who I am. I know if a person is trying to be mean, or hurtful in saying somethign negative. BUT I also know when they are trying to be helpful and lable me to make me want to change somethign.

Answer 10

Now why would I do that?

Answer 11

labels are welcome when used to expediently identify ones stance, but so often we fail to see beyond the labels.  so i guess i welcome them on a superficial level, but i hope those who meet me will take the time to look a little deeper.

Answer 12

No, actually, I don't.  Because there is always purpose behind the label - and I don't necessarily trust that purpose.

In reality, outside of material goods or science, we don't need labels.  It has NEVER benefited man to be a labelled creature.

Answer 13

One label is required to be a human being.  Just homo sapien.  I proudly wear the red head label.  That's plenty for me.  

Edit:

Congratulations on your new label by the way.  

(Top Contributor)  So do you accept or reject it?