Labels. We have all heard of them, but what are they? A label is “a word or phrase indicating that what follows belongs in a particular category or classification” (dictionary.com) We have all been known to label, and we have all been labeled by someone. When you label someone, most of the time you are classifying them into a group based on little to no information about that individual. Labels can include stereotypes. Stereotyping someone could be saying, “She’s blonde so she must be dumb,” or “He’s tall. He must play basketball.” You can also label someone by what you think describes them. Labeling someone “dumb” for getting a question wrong or labeling someone “fat” for being heavier than you. Black, white, rich, poor, smart, and dumb are all examples of labels.
I believe that if you are going to label someone, know them first. Assuming is something most of us have all been guilty for at one time or another, but try not to not judge or assume things about someone you hardly know. One of my closest friends and I would have never become friends if we only judged based on our assumptions. At first, she thought I was a bitch and I thought she was too quiet and weird. Now, she knows that I am the craziest, funniest girl she has ever met and I know that she can be extremely outgoing and a great friend.
I also believe that labels are never going away. We will all continue to label one another until the end of time. That being said, label me. I dare you. All I ask is that you do it with respect and honesty. If you don’t know me and you want to label me anyways, here are some things you can label me by:
I am proud. I am short. I care about others. I am a brunette. I love to help. I listen to country music. I am a hard worker. I love to travel. I like to read. I can be crazy. I am a try hard. I don’t know everything. I am a leader and a follower. I am not athletic. I want to understand. I am a little big around the waist. I am a giver. I am stubborn. If you need me, I will be there. I am insecure. I am an overachiever. I am loving. I always think ahead.
So go ahead and label me, but make sure you do it right.
“If you gotta label me, label me proud.” -Drinking Class, Lee Brice
