Why don't people like specific labels????

Question

I asked a question earlier about my beliefs. I came to the realization that there is no name for a person who lacks belief in a Deity, superstition, and supernatural or magical powers. I pointed out that atheist isn't specific enough because although Buddhism is technically a religion, Buddhists do not believe in a Deity making them atheists. Most of the people responded in anger, claiming things like, "Why does every tiny bit of difference in belief have to have a name." I like very specific language. I like labels. I don't like vague language. I don't like there to be any questions or uncertainties when discussing anything. I like being as clear-cut, flat out, explicit, precise, distinct, and as categorical as possible. Why are labels so hated by so many people?????

Answer 1

Because every label carries a definition, every definition carries a meaning, every meaning has an example, and for every example and meaning there is exception which proves it. People get picky about labels when they feel that either they fall under the exception or when their perceived meaning of a label does match another's perceived meaning.

Oddly enough, most people actually like falling under a category--having a label--they just want to be the ones picking the label.

Answer 2

Several reasons:
1. language can and does pigeon-hole people
2. language can and is mis-interpreted
3. people are so much more than one specific label - they have many facets, even in one area. For example, I am a Unitarian Universalist, and belong to a congregation in this area. The UU church was formed from the merging of two religious movements - Unitarianism and Universalism. Both were formed originally from Christianity, but some founders were persecuted because the 'church' decided things were going to be one way, and they didn't fit the new mold.

They have some similarities, but some differences. Some members of our religion are more Unitarian, some are more Universalist. Some people identify with the religion of their upbringing - i.e. Judaism, Christianity, Buddhism - but can't reconcile what they were taught as children with what they feel is right in their heart and soul.

So, labels are pretty black-and-white (even THAT saying has mixed connotations!), and the world is just full of gray.

Answer 3

I've worked in psychiatric nursing for 33 years and some people are damned by the labels that other people put on them. If the only way you judge a person is by the label that society has given them, you tend to treat that person in a very narrow way. No one is totally one way or the other. You have to look beyond that label and see someone's full ability. I'd be hesitant to see only the label and nothing past it. If labels work for you-fine. But you might be missing out on some very good things.

Answer 4

Because as per your example, beliefs vary so widely even amongst people of the same religious (or irreligious) group that to be specific we would have to make up a great deal of new words, possibly one for everyone. For them to truely apply, we would have billions of labels, rendering them meaningless. Thus people eschu them, and just describe the varying nuances of their personal belief.

Answer 5

I read your earlier questions and found them very insightful. I think people feel that labels limit them and boxes their way of thinking into a package. I think labels have their purpose, and they certainly help me in ascertaining those that I would associate myself with. I'll wear my label proudly if that's truly an apt description of who I am.

Answer 6

Rationalism comes close.

The problem is labels use terms that vary in meaning and often, one aspect of a person is used to cram them in the bucket.

Answer 7

Labels definitely become a pickle when we become attached to them, have major aversions to them and/or the object being labeled etc. We need labels to identify and get around, but when we get too stuck on them... well... you see the results.

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Answer 8

Labels enable the opposite party to judge, ridicule, gossip and despise them.

Sad, but true.

Answer 9

Why do so many people want to be labeled???

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Answer 10

I hate being called dinner or an nasty STD