How can identifying with a group based gender, sexuality, race, religion, illiness or disability, or ethnicity

Question

how can this help people to become more comfortable and successful in their lives?

Answer 1

well, don't you want to be around people who you can relate to. if you were dropped off in beijing all by your lonesome, would you not try to find the nearest u.s. consulate?

Answer 2

Labels are generally helpful in finding people with similar experiences and viewpoints, but strong people will usually find ways to go beyond them. For instance, I'm a total dork, so I usually get along with people who are into things like anime and role playing games and DDR, but I also have friends from a lot of different groups, like stoners and party girls and whatever else you can think of. I'm also a female, pagan, white bisexual with no disabilities or illnesses, as are a good number of my friends, but I hardly use that as a guideline for who I hang out with.

Labels are often useful, but they only have as much relevance as you let them.

Answer 3

I agree with the above answers, it gives you some kind of common bond in that you have the same beliefs or similar characteristics as others in your group. But I think it is just as important to associate with others who are different than you, otherwise you are limiting yourself and missing out on a lot.

Answer 4

knowing there are others out there, like you, going through the same things you go through.

Answer 5

well, you have a broader view of society, which gives you a broader profit margin.