Pitfalls of 'Labels'

There are people who label and those who don't. But are there? Are there people who don't label? I don't think so. In just saying that, I am labeling the entire human population, I just need to come up with an appropriate name for this label!

The labels, usually, denote a set of characteristics. For example, a label on a bottle defines if it is a ketchup or a wine. With that we have defined the contents of the bottle - how should it taste, smell, feel, use cases, what to accompany while consuming/using them - thus the labels help us become efficient in our lives.

However, the efficiency comes at a cost. In order to become more efficient, we need to let go of some of the information, which may (or may not) be trivial. If the label just says 'wine', it could well serve to some who may be looking to irrigate their throats with some alcohol, but a connoisseur would most likely turn up his nose at that. And right there, is a demonstration of the power of labels. I am assuming that is how a connoisseur would react. Chances are, you did not feel anything out of place either. But will a connoisseur always frown at a cheap wine? Will a connoisseur always be able to discern the wine in absence of a 'label' on the bottle? I'd assume the sommeliers (a label, again) out of this who's life's work is in tasting and classifying the wines. A number of blind test studies demonstrate that in absence of labels, the connoisseurs falter more that we would believe. How about your favourite brand of cola, or coffee? Are you sure you can find your favourite drink if the labels were taken off?

As much as you might want to believe your favourite brand is the best, chances are, if you were to be given a blind test you would be as lost as anyone. The brand labels makes you believe you are getting the best.

But why am I blabbering about it all. And what in the world is the connection here with humans. A Big One. You see so long as the labels are on the things, labels are pretty good. But we stick labels on people too. All sorts of labels. Rich, poor, greedy, stingy, kind-hearted, saint, pastor, teacher, religious, son, father, mother, guru - the endless list. Read over that list again, this time with a little bit of self-awareness. Just try and feel the emotions, however, subtle, each label brings up in you. What kind of a character you draw in your mind with each one? What are your expectations in terms of their behaviours towards others? towards you? How should they conduct themselves in daily lives? Daily routine?

We associate each label with a set of characteristics and expect people to have each one of those. Some of these characteristics are fairly popular - a mother sacrifices her 'life' for her child. Some we invent individually based on our personal experiences - for example your what is your view of taxi drivers of a particular race or region? And what impression do you have of people from that race or region - totally based on one person's interactions? We take a sample, stick a label to it. Next time we see someone who remotely matches one or more characteristics of that label, we promptly paste that label on the person. We then find other characteristics on that label and apply all of them on the person.

Assigning a label also makes us feel smart! It is like passing a judgment on someone or something. Since we assigned that label that means we know more about that person, thing or concept than anyone else. Just by labelling, we declare ourselves genius, deluding ourselves into a false sense of intelligence and wisdom. Not realising one bit that we just closed the doors to exact same qualities.

And so, my good people, it is such a big trap!! How many times have you disliked or even hated a person because he did not fit into your label? Think of a partner, teacher, pastor... friend? What do you think of the labels you apply on yourself? Extrovert/Introvert, outgoing, (not) good enough, imposter, depressed, party-animal??

Here is the next step, where did you get those labels from? Your peers? Social Media? Memes?

What do each of these labels mean to you? What are those characteristics?

Are those qualities actually true to you? To what extent?

Do those labels really apply to you still?

Do you want it or should it be changed?