Labeling is Overdone: Here's Why
Why Words Like Narcissist are Overused Labels
Labels Suck — and I bet you’ve received or given them.
My journey with labels has been extremely rocky however perceiving them in a different light has changed how I think about myself and others.
My Run-ins with Labeling
If you’ve ever worked on a group project in school or a team project at your workplace you’ve probably experienced 1 or more group members who put significantly less effort into the group assignment or task.
I experienced this just this last semester when I was forced to come in early and spend extra free blocks putting in my time because my group refused to put in theirs. At this point, I had had enough with my group and decided to express this concern and frustration with some friends where I explained how much more work I was being forced to do. However, while some of my friends agreed it was unfair, one of my friends stated:
“Why are you acting like you’re better than them? You’re kind of a narcissist.”
While I didn’t agree then or now that this was true, it really bothered me that either way someone would be able to label someone based on one thing they did.
This led me to recall a particularly memorable Social Studies course from back in middle school where one of my teachers explained to the class that just because somebody says or does something that is racially charged does not make them racist.
While this is a little different than narcissism it implies the same message; just because somebody does something wrong does not permit you to label them.
I realize now that the idea behind both of these experiences where in different contexts they both promote the same idea: Labeling based on one action is wrong.
Why You Can’t Label Based on Singular Actions
I believe labeling based on small actions is wrong. By labeling someone you mark them with a permanent flag that tells them they are unable to pursue change.
Labels put people down and boil people down to their singular actions.
Labels strip people of their other identities.
Labels tell people that they are incapable of change. These tags do not promote a mindset of changing to become a better person but rather that you‘ve been placed in a box.
Someone who forgets an assignment or task is not Lazy
Someone who unintentionally says something hurtful is not Insensitive
Someone who is proud of their work is not a Narcissist
If you are ever labeled or think about labeling other people please consider this: Labels do nothing but pull people down and lead them to making more poor decisions. You can call people out for making bad choices, but don’t put them in a box because of a single action. Recognizing flaws is about inciting change not about trapping someone within their flaws. Be careful with your words and be intentional.
