Labels and Brand
Does anyone ever like being labelled? I understand that in science we have committed to labeling as a way to distinguish the differences between things in order to understand them and how they may work together, or how they function as a whole. But when it comes to the individual, most of us don't like being labelled. In the human context, when we use labels we have a tendency to impose or include our ideological viewpoint on them. For example in politics, you have "Left" and "Right". Just reading those two words you have already formed an opinion as to what they mean to you and identify with or against the ideologies they represent to you. Labels take us away from critical thinking and rather, enforce prejudice. I use the word in its purest form, not as a political tool, in that a prejudice is not inherently negative, but rather an assumption made beforehand based on your personal view on what is being pre-judged.
Do labels define us? Should they? Or do they define a "group" or generic "characteristics of a group"? Do labels confine us into ideologies? Do they limit our ability to think critically and for ourselves? I think they do. Just look at the huge problems that people are facing around the world. Again, I'm not saying labels are inherently bad, I'm just remarking on their ability to instill ideologies and thus create divisions, which is perfect to exploit as a political tool.
Growing up in the 80's I was exposed to another form of label. The growing power of advertising began using Brands as the new Labels, and immediately jumped on board. It's a cross between "Fear of missing out" and "fitting in". These (new) Brands began reinforcing tribalism through group identity. If you had sneaker X you were cool, if you had sneaker Y you weren't. If you wore a certain set of clothing you belonged to this or that group and so on. I'm reminded of the original meaning and purpose of "Branding", in which animals are a burned (to scar) with a branding iron to signify ownership. Are we not our own? Do these Brands "own us"? It's something to think about that's for sure!
The Past
I must admit, I have a fascination with History. In one of my first entries in this series I wrote about recapitulation as a way to understand who I am and how I came to be, through all the things that have happened in my life that have led me to this very moment. As I continue reading "Against The Grain" it has given me perspective when I look at the world. I totally get how History can used as a tool of those who were able to control information and use it to their advantage, but at the same time we need to use common sense and consensus as a society to determine what is accurate and what isn't and we need to trust the experts to do a fair and unbiased job of it. I can’t even begin to explain how much researching history has led to me questioning own beliefs and ideas. No, I'm not being brainwashed by propaganda, I think I have the ability to think critically, weigh the evidence and adjust accordingly in order to research more.
In the present, I see a lot of people who seem to want to go back to the past, thinking that for some reason it was better then. But I doubt anyone has the ability to truly understand how a person 100 years ago thought. Their perspective of the world was shaped by their history, what they knew and didn't know, and it's delusional of us to think we can put ourselves in their, sometimes glorified, shoes. So what's my point? My point is that we are exactly where we are because of all the things we and our society have done right up until this very moment. There are no "good ole days" to be relived, there is only learning the lessons we need to identify so that we don't continue to repeat history (which seems to happen all to frequently according to.. Yup you guessed it, History!) and move forward taking all we've learned to make things better. I think we can all agree that we want things to be better for everyone. My friend showed me a video clip from the Lion King, which I thought was cute, but straight to the point. So I'll include it below.
The Future
Is This the biggest question? Because the door is wide open and it can be almost anything we choose it to be if it's what we want, either individually or as a collective. Is it because it cannot be defined that it becomes scary or uncertain for some? We're told of "revelations" or predictions that often instill fear in the hearts of men. The future seems a place beyond reach, always a day away, yet it is directly defined by what we do in each moment and can be seen through the lens of the past. As I write this, I'm bringing the past, present and future together. Manifesting it in my mind and letting it flow out. I'm not giving a whole lot of thought or pause, but rather letting my mind just flow on topics that I am attracted to. In another way, and like many of us, I live in the future, planning my days and working towards goals. But what the future holds in uncertain and the time we might waste in the present could be put to better use don't you think? In saying that, I mean within ourselves, for our own spiritual growth. There are things we can do for ourselves in the time we have that could be more productive than watching American Idol, or engaging in trivial pursuits and petty disagreements. We can die at any moment. Let's not take the future we can create right now for granted.
Day Nine
The End