Sorry if this is a little long. Probably one of the only MyTakes I will do.
Simply put, I get why we label and categorize everything. It makes it 'easier' for us. We can set rules. We can build accordingly. We can associate. However, I'm finding that while that may have been the subconscious intentions, it's really undermining any efforts to an actual equal world that everyone claims they so want.
For instance, when it comes to women's rights, we have feminism. The word to some is a symbol of equality for women and empowering them to be on the same level as men. To others, its now a derogatory term for people who wish to put down men in attempts to even it out or even bring above. To me, it's just a word. A label turned hurdle. It does both of the things listed, but why? Why do I need that word to fight for women's rights? To show that I believe we're on the same level because, well, I do. Being a young boy, I seriously felt like treating everyone in the world the exact same. No better and no worse. I still feel that exact same way. I only learned the word feminism when I became 16-17. It didn't make a difference too me so why do some people insist I associate with it? I don't need to associate with a label, but my beliefs.
Another example is sexuality. I understand why we have straight, gay and bi. Hell, I actually understand pan sexuality the most now because after doing research, if a gun was to my head, that's probably what I'd HAVE to claim. But why do I need these? I've only ever dated women, but am not opposed to if one day I found myself attracted to a guy. "Oh you're bi then." I mean if that makes you happy? But why do I myself have to use these things? Can people around me not function properly if they can't label something? Is it so hard for people to wrap their minds around not saying "I'm this and that" for more than 3 minutes? To me that's so simple minded and yet I believe if people started working towards this, it'd make things simpler. I'm not saying doing away completely with these terms, I get why they're in place, but maybe relaxing how often you associate with them as if it makes you who you are rather than just being a part of you.
Then you have the US's party system. It made sense but now it's turned into a joke in my eyes. People walk around associating with Democrat or Republican like it's a sorority or College Football team jersey. When I went to vote on some elections in my town it states next to their name (Rep.) or (Dem.) That put me off because what does that have to do with what kind of role they're going to play in my community? Surely people don't think just because they have claimed to be this party that they couldn't just act differently. We've all seen it happen so why is that even there? In my mind, take that little note next to the name away and people lose any knowledge of what that person actually believes or will do for their job they're running for. And when people ask me what I am, I can't tell them I just vote on who seems best or they'll just say "Oh a wasted vote." and you know what? They're right. I found that out when I was down as Independent and tried to vote in the primary. It's set up where you have to choose a side instead of really thinking for yourself or giving a fair chance to something different/in between.
Supporting all these groups is similar business.
I can say I support gays having the right to marry without saying "Oh I'm a part of the LGBT..." because I wasn't born to be a forced community member. To bear a label. I was born to be....
me. B)
Really though, is it just me? This all feels like trivial shit that's blown way out of proportion all the live long day, impeding any progress we really could be making by now. I'm much more concerned about a fucking meteor smacking our planet or super volcanoes going off.
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