We have a problem with labels in society and within our culture in general.
It becomes helpful when we help children assign words and meaning to their emotions so they can better articulate what and how they are feeling.
It becomes a hindrance when we assign too much meaning to a word at the expense of flexible thinking. For instance, when I hear anyone speak about “those Republicans” or “those Democrats”, it diminishes the faces behind the party when they are actual people with complex thought. It turns the other side into a common enemy. Whether political party or race, it’s “the other”.
Whenever we work within organizations on brand and culture change, we find that labels are a key part of a corporate or organizational religion. Some companies who like the notion of branding things get carried away with label-usage and we find it can create confusion, not clarity.
When labels are used to bring clarity, like “I am frustrated mommy”, then they are extremely necessary as human beings.
And when labels are used to represent what I am not, they cross into judgment. I know I’m not a criminal. If criminal is defined as someone who breaks the law that’s a pretty broad description (speeding ticket? nah. Stealing once in high school? Depends on the state you live in!)
Your mission, if you choose to accept it: Try to remove labels from your vocabulary. How does that change the way you feel about your belief systems? Does it shift your perspective when you see someone for who they are, not what party they voted for? Or for the human being they are, not the country they came from?
Be kind. Be safe. Be appropriate. Now go!
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