Labels

So the other day I was sitting in my Women in the Justice System class, and we were discussing the topic of a Feminist. What was brought up in class was most of us really are feminists, but prefer not to be called or labeled that because of the stigma attached to it. It made me think, yeah thats true. I wouldn't really want to be called a feminist. The next conversation i had was yesterday night on the phone with my best friend and we were talking about food stamps. We both said that we would not want to receive food stamps because of the stigma attached to them. I am in no way putting down feminists or food stamps. I am well aware that people who receive food stamps need them and thats wonderful that they are getting that necessary help, but I am also aware that some who get them do not need them. That comment of me saying I would not want to receive food stamps because of the stigma attached to it kinda bothered me. How if one day I really did need food stamps to help me get by? Would I seriously not apply for them because of that sole factor, because what other people THOUGHT? I then realized today walking to the bus from my Sexual violence class that I am a hypocrite. I was walking with a classmate of mine and we were talking about how people label others. For instance, I was complaining about how people ask me or another person or just assume that I am a lesbian Just because i would rather play sports and wear sweats than wear make up or wear dresses, makes me a lesbian? Just because a lot of my pictures on facebook are with girls, or gay people makes me a lesbian? That pisses me off..NOT because of the stigma to the word lesbian or gay but because who gives a fucking rats ass if i were a lesbian. We talk to people everyday and a lot of the time we call people by the label we give them. OH there is that Asian, or there is that gay guy, or there is that black guy. Why do we as a culture have to label everyone?

We all do this labeling system, I do it all the time. Why do we put labels to people or assume people can be this way just because of actions or looks or thoughts or even beliefs. I dont know just seems crazy, but yet its so normal and natural for us to just put everyone in a label, and then put negative and positive connotations to those labels. Doesn't really seem fair, and it seems we never think this way until we are put into a label that we do not agree with.....

Just food for thought.

Peace


HAPPY BIRTHDAY SOPHIE