Labels

The premise that people can be 'summed up' by labels is false, and detrimental. People who identify with labels that do not fit their personalities are sure to suffer from depression and low self-esteem. Those who label themselves and identify themselves with such labels are limiting themselves. When we reach a certain age, we are forced to label ourselves while interacting with other people socially, professionally, or even personally. The labels may be based on race, color, caste, religion or beliefs, gender, sexual orientation, nationality, body characteristics, I.Q, social circle, handicaps, manner of speaking etc.

Before a child is thrown into the world and forced to accept certain labels, it is very important for the child to know that these labels do not have any meaning or significance, and that they are not to be taken seriously. The transition from immaturity to maturity occurs when one is able to set aside prejudices and take on an unbiased point of view of the world.

The truth is that we all are one. There is unity in diversity. If we view the world as a part of our self, and not as external to it, we would never apply labels to people.