Cataloging the Human Species
This isn’t about How we label ourselves; it’s about Why doing so is Helpful.
First, there were males and females. Then we differentiated ourselves into men, women, boys, and girls to notate that some boys and girls eventually grow to become men and women.
More recently, we’ve added LGBTQIA+.
Understanding
Labels help us to understand who we are. That is if we’re introspective enough to take the huge step into the realm of trying to understand ourselves.
It’s a starting point for a framework about who we are. Once we’re able to label ourselves, we can begin the life-long conversation about what the label means to us and dive deeper into the nuisances. And if we desire: use the label as a way of starting to share who we are with others.
Good or Bad
Anything good can be weaponized. There are many people who will disagree with what I believe are the benefits of labeling. But it’s up to us to try and use labeling in the way it’s meant: to help us understand ourselves and communicate with others.
