Think about it.
Gay, goy, liberal, conservative, Christian, atheist, agnostic, progressive, traditional, emo, goth, butch, TV, TG, TS etc etc etc.
Do you think people place labels more on themselves in order to fit in, or impose them on others in order to box others into groups.
I tend to suspect we label ourselves and then get offended when others use these labels to generalize when they are only going off the information we have given them.
What are you thoughts?
2007-07-16 08:07:09 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Cultures & Groups ➔ Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender
Gay lord, thanks for your answer.
All I can suggest is anger management.
2007-07-16 08:26:07 · update #1
Great question by the way.
It is probably something tribal, we have to belong to the group or identify ourselves with group.
Going further, we get offended when we are generalized. Not realizing that we did so in the first place...
2007-07-16 08:15:24 · answer #1 · answered by Mr. Beef Stroganoff 6 · 0⤊ 3⤋
I think some of us do impose labels on our-self, it's usually as a way to fit in, or be a part of a group. I have no problem labeling myself as a lesbian or an atheist etc. It's sorta like self expression. I think the problem is that people then stereotype you because of that label. That's not right, but sadly we all do it. And sometimes people label you and you haven't even labeled yourself. In general, labels aren't bad, it's when you are prejudice or discriminate against someone because of that label that makes it bad.
2007-07-16 17:36:05 · answer #2 · answered by Moxie! 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I may give the impression through my actions that I belong to a certain type, or group. But, the label anyone gives me is their own. I am a person, a human being trying to make a difference in my little piece of the world. Negative or positive labels are not of my making. I don't use them for others or myself.
2007-07-16 15:14:41 · answer #3 · answered by toff 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I believe that another's opinion only affects you if you agree with it.
On the surface, you might disagree with the 'label', but in fact, it can only upset you IF you at least allow a possibility of it being true.
Consider this: if someone called you a Martian, you would perhaps doubt their sanity, but how could such a ridiculous label possibly affect or upset you?
When other people said things to me and about me that I found insulting, I used to feel upset until I came up with a little "ZEN" question:
"If a small dog pees on a large tree, does the tree notice?"
At this point, people can say just about anything to me, and it makes me grin.
Sometimes, for a little added fun, I'll voice that question out loud....
2007-07-16 15:14:54 · answer #4 · answered by flywho 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
This is rich. Yeah I label myself a gay to fit in. Truth is I'm gay and I'll say it to any punk who has a problem with it.
Edit: oatmeal is healthy
2007-07-16 15:13:44 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
I do give myself labels. Mom, accountant, non-religious, etc.
Getting offended though is not one of my past-times. It seems like everyone nowadays is thin-skinned. I am more of a "consider the source" kind of person.
2007-07-16 15:11:23 · answer #6 · answered by csucdartgirl 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Since gays come out of the closet to tell everyone they are gay, I would have to say the answer is yes.
Most people couldn't care less what your political views are, whom you have sex with, what religion you are as long as they can have a conservation with you, or feel they can do business with you.
2007-07-16 15:19:22 · answer #7 · answered by Dr Jello 7 · 0⤊ 4⤋