WHY DO PEOPLE LIKE LABELS?
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A label is a fixed device (word or otherwise) that applies to a certain object, person or thing.
Thus the label of 'table' applies to something we establish as an object upon which we 'put' things, whatever they are.
However,
a table (for example) is NOT the label, it is only a convenient way of
describing a particular object upon which we place things. We may even
not place things upon it but it is still an object upon which we may
place things.
A label is a static device. It may be presented in different way but it is still a 'table'.
Being a static device, it is not open to question. It IS therefore it is.
Labelling
is a convenient way of communicating an idea. It is a descriptive tool.
However, the idea may be more complex than defining an object upon
which we can place things. Thus labels as descriptive of complex
objects (notions and so forth) become less of a communication in
relation to more complex notions.
If you tell me over the
telephone that you have left something on the table, I will not conjure
up the same table as you because I don't know what your table is like
(unless I have seen it before at your house and even then I will not
know if you have more than one table and you do not tell me which one).
The only thing I have is the general idea of what a table means to me,
at a time, place and circumstance. Thus labels can be deceptive,
especially if I assume the table I am thinking of is nothing like the
one you are talking about.
People like labels for many reasons. They are convenient and basically we do not have to do much mind-work.
Labelling
is positively and potentially dangerous and is the pretext for
all sorts of horrific acts which some people inflict upon others. That
is because labels are static. They do not move with the times (rarely).
The label becomes entrenched. It has a LABEL and so it IS or must be.
Labelling
is the source of most conflict between people or peoples. The
definition of the label is tantamount to this conflict. My god is not
your god and so forth.
Labels lead to stereotyping a very bad
scenario. They should not, in any way, be used as they are without
explanation. The quick brown fox jumps onto the lazy label.
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