We all know that without labels somethings in life would be confusing, but when we start to label people is it good or bad? I see some that are spiritual like a wiccan, pagan or naturalist and then end up being labeled as a witch. Do you think things like these hurt or help?
You are correct about the fact that life would be very confusing without labels, however, when society starts to label people I feel that it is usually for the worse. As you have stated the most common labels are for religions other than christanity and usually people that practice other religions (esp wiccan) are labeled witches. I don't feel that it is right to label a person because they have different beliefs or values than you do. And alot of times these labels can be very hurtful to a person, just recently I was called a very ugly label (which I will not lower myself to repeat here) because I am not married to the father of my child, we have been together for almost 6 yrs and really just never decided to get married, but that was our choice and the label that was put on me I feel was totally unwarranted and was very, very hurtful. So no - I don't agree with labeling people and feel that it is usually for the worst when a person is labeled.
I can understand things in life labeled "O hey thats a can of soup", but when it comes to labels on people it just seems like the lazy mans way out, and what a crock. I kind of get the feeling I can take a guess as to the label you mentioned. I have a friend that is "unwed" and a parent at the same time, and shes dealt with it a great deal with two children (and both by different fathers). I think people are just stupid and lazy sometimes. How else can you explain it? I know some would not be (since I mentioned witch) upset with using the word, but some others I have met would be. Its not like I run around all day going "O you Christian you". People have names, we don't need labels.
Labeling is something natural to human beings. We can't help doing it, and we do it all the time, sometimes unconsciously. I think "witch" is not a bad word to use anymore, especially after the much-loved Harry Potter series. So, I doubt if anyone would mind being called a witch.
Regarding whether labeling is "good" or "bad," I would say it depends on what type of label you are giving. If the label is a positive one, I am sure nobody will mind. But a negative label would greatly hinder a person's progress. However, nobody can survive without labeling. It is human nature.
I dislike labelling frequently, and on many levels. I think that labelling inanimate objects is one thing, but labelling a person or worse-a behaviour can be a very damaging thing.
Religion aside, just at what labels such as ADHD can do to a child. It can end up with that child being drugged to the eye balls, or else suffering esteem issues and so on.
Sometimes it can be helpful, mostly I would say not.
I think it can be helpful about 30% of the time and the rest not. As the example about with ADHD I see many people growing up with issues being labeled as "that kid" and it puts a damper on ones outlook for life many times over.
And being called a witch in the southern states is still a bad thing when it is considered the Bible Belt, so as long as your not doing it there I think it would be okay.
Unfortunately yes, there are times that a label is needed to get the services that an individual requires. Otherwise labels serve only to stigmatise, the majority of the time.
Re: Labels
It is human nature.
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