I like categories.

The reason? It helps me be a better hostess, friend, etc.

For example, when I meet someone I would like to befriend, I will often say..."Republican? Conservative or Liberal? Faith? Kids? Married?"

Of course not all at once, I let them answer.

But it helps direct the conversation. IF the person has a real outgoing personality and likes to cut up and they are liberal, I might start with a joke poking fun at liberals...just to spice things up.

But its a great starting off point is MY point.

For instance if someone told me they were a breeder...ha...I would probably ask them if they wanted all the boxed up clothes in my attic!

Was it Keirkergaard or Dick van Patten who said "If you label me, you negate me?" (sorry, bluedev, couldn't resist!)

I find the "breeder" label hilarious (put upon us by contemptuous, militant homosexual elements), as 1) their retirement will be largely dependent on the contributions of the children who are the byproduct of "breeders"; 2) they, themselves, would not be here without "breeders"; and 3) a "breeder" would be interested in applying his genetic material to as many productive females as possible, thus would be either promiscuous, polygamous and/or polyandrous, or a regular contributor to a local sperm bank. While I have more than the number of average children, I meet none of the three categories described in section 3 and don't qualify.

But I digress...

While I have more than the number of average children, I meet none of the three categories described in section 3 and don't qualify.

Man, I hear you there. Thanks for the digression. I just think the breeder label is funny because it conjures up images of some sort of alien pod in my mind.

FS: Thanks the the comment and for stopping by!

Tova: I agree with what Ted said about labels, I suppose. I can see their utility, but only as a segue to find out more about who the person really is, and then view them as a whole, which is always greater than the sum of the parts.

Serenity:

Well said Maso! Well said - especially that last sentence!

Thanks very much...

You did forget one of the most obvious, especially in light of your pen name.

Blue Devils fan!

The only Red~Headed, Blue~Eyed, Freckle~Faced, Left~Handed, Colorblind, Guitar Pickin', Harpoon Blowin', LDS, Wisconsin National Guard Retired, U.S. Army Vet on the net...

And sometimes it is ourselves who do the labelling. ;~D

~~~~~

Often what we do and wear labels us without even saying a word. We don't wear certain T-Shirts, hats and buttons just because we like the colors.

Uniforms label us (whether they are official or not). When I was in high school, a lot of people thought I smoked pot. Why? Because I wore concert T Shirts, old beat up blue jeans, and hung out with people who did.

I guess I could have complained about being labelled, but 1) I can't say I blame anyone for the assumption, since from all outward appearances, they were right and 2) I just didn't care. ;~D