Labels
Have we ever wondered what labels really mean?
According to me, labels are the core reason behind all our differences and divisions. The basic labels are ones we all understand like poor, rich, physically challenged, Black, neurodiverse, white, slow learner, and so on.
But what I really want to talk about here is something we haven’t given much thought to. Have you ever wondered what lies on the other side of this polarity—the side we’ve normalized? The labels we think are positive, the ones that make us feel good.
When we say things like, “Oh, he or she is so helpful,” or “She looks so beautiful,” or “He’s a top shot,” have you ever wondered why people ask, “What do you do?” Why is that often the first question when we meet someone?
Could it be that we do this to quickly categorize people—to put them in slots, to decide how important they are, and whether they’re worth our time or not?
Can there be a possibility—or even an attempt—to belong to a world where we simply meet and see each other for who we truly are?
What if we started asking people, “Would you like to share your life story?” or “What really interests you?” or “What are you afraid of?”
The same idea can be applied to children. When we see them, can we see them simply as children with limitless potential? Can we presume competence without labelling them neurodiverse, slow learner, autistic, introvert, extrovert, too loud, too quiet, shy, short-tempered, aggressive, assertive, intelligent, “good girl,” or “good boy”?
That brings me to another layer of labelling—the “goodness trap.” This is perhaps the most interesting and sought-after label. Many of us are systematically taught to chase it.
In my understanding, it creates fragments within us—not outside, but within our core. We disown the parts of ourselves that aren’t liked or celebrated.
But do we ever truly get rid of those parts?
Real change happens only when we consciously choose it—not because of guilt or external pressure.
We are intelligent, conscious beings. We don’t need the whip of guilt, anger, frustration, or judgment to motivate change.
The oak tree doesn’t struggle to grow. The eagle doesn’t need motivation to fly. They simply are.
Humans, however, have a unique ability—choice.
What a joy it would be to take a deep breath and believe: I’m okay as I am right now.
You don’t need magic. You are the magic.