Labels bias our perceptions, thinking, and behavior. A label or story can either separate us from, or connect us to, others. It also affects our most important relationship—the one we have with God. It is critically important that we evaluate our labels because their effects are clearly seen in our life stories.
Throughout our lives, we are given a variety of symbolic labels as we interact with others, such as: natural athlete, pretty, go-getter, laid back, pest, ambitious, awkward, popular.
Categories—labels—are a necessary component of functioning in a complex world. Labels imply a variety of behaviors and attitudes, but they can cause our perception of the whole person to be defined by just one trait.
Sometimes labels are necessary and enable individuals to use the adaptations they need to function in society. Often there is no consensus on whether a label is negative, positive, or neutral. For example, there is no other way to talk about having a hearing impairment without using a
“label” or a set of words to assist the person in finding employment or using technology.
Labels form a lens through which people see others. Problems enter in because we are often incapable of perceiving others independent of that label..
- A label may be attached to someone in response to a behavior or attitude, but those hearing the label can assume that they encapsulate the whole person.
- Labeled persons tend to turn to others who are similarly stigmatized for support and friendship. This happens when one accepts the label as the truth about oneself.
- We tend to re-evaluate our own identities around the label of those in our groups.
The risk of labeling is that it can change the way we perceive things.
- If I label someone an alcoholic, the label is a negative one. However, that same label is used as a self-identifier for those participating in the Alcoholics Anonymous program to overcome their addiction.
- If I say, “I am a Christian,” it has a positive connotation to one person, while another person may react negatively.
- This is one of my childhood labels. I was given this Chatty Cathy doll (it spoke when you pulled a string) that I received on my 4th birthday.
- This gift was not given in a mean-spirited way, but in response to ONE of my traits. I was the one who gave it negative connotation.
- It is true; I do have the gift of the gab. But into my adulthood, I was embarrassed because I thought of it as a failing, instead of as a gift to be used for God’s glory.
Think of a label that you have been given sometime during your life. How do you perceive it: as a positive, a negative, condemning, or neutral?
Today’s Label Challenge: Examine the labels that you experience. Learn how to identify how they
affect you.
Remember: God created us with the ability to choose—this includes choosing which labels we will continue to live under. As believers, we are able to become a “re-formed” people.
Kathleen S Evenhouse 