Labels

Labels:
 
Labels are used for various purposes.  Some are used to appreciate while others are used to depreciate a person, a people or a nation.
 
Here are just a few we hear often:
Liberal – check the dictionary for various uses and meanings.  The definition  as defined makes be proud to be called a “Liberal”.
Anti-Semetic – although intended to describe hostility against Jews, it has been used as a form of intimidation to quell any dissent against actions past and present of Jews   Being opposed to Zionism should not be considered “anti-semitic”.  I believe that the label of “anti-semitic” lost its zeal.  If one is sympathetic to the plight of the Palestinians and is called “anti-semitic”, I accept that label with pride. 
 
Nazi – a person holding extreme racist or authoritarian views or behaving brutally .    
 
Democratic Socialism - http://www.dsausa.org/about_dsa
 
The Great Satan – used by Iran to describe America.  http://www.truediscipleship.com/Gtopics/general487.htm

Label seems to be the in word. Bigot is the in label. Using labels to discredit those with whom we disagree is equivalent to saying f@ck you! Swearing is a poor substitute for a well thought out reply.

You are absolutely on target, Shelagh.  I hate labels.  I think they are a scourge.  However, we use labels to compress what the mind cannot comprehend in its totality.  Thus, like you said, they are shortcuts when one doesn't have the words.  That's what epithets accomplish although, both the useful ones and the slang and ugly ones.

It would take too much time and thought to describe a person's actual characteristics because I doubt that anyone is entirely what a label would indicate.

None of my friends would call me a liberal.  I hate government waste and would like to see every agency prove its viability and fiscal soundness for the need it's designed to serve.  I would like to see paring and mergers that are appropriate.  I don't believe in handouts, but rather in providing opportunity so handouts are  not needed.  In the meantime, I don't believe in starvation or poor health in a modern country of such wealth as ours.  I believe in all the freedoms espoused by the right side but I don't want them telling me which freedoms I'm entitled to or putting religious dogma into legislation. 

Well, enuf said.

"religious dogma." That is a bad label...it says those who believe in God are following a fairy tale. I don't understand why those who don't believe in God feel they are free to attack those who do...yet they scream their heads off when it is suggested they may be wrong. As to the freedom many demand, I believe freedom is not good. if ants had the freedom to do what they each wanted to do, they would not be around. There are not that many freedoms left in the U.S.A. You can't say this, and you can't say that...freedom of speech? You can't show this , or that...flag? Americans can be taken off the street at any time without a court order...freedom? I think Hitlerism is alive and well in America...but I don't think the American people know it any more than the Germans did. Strange Americans have lost their beloved freedom...and can't even see it. What a simple people we must be.

Domenic, my interpretation of the word "dogma" is in line with that described in the dictionary.  "a principle, tenet, or system of these, esp. as laid down by the authority of a church."  "such principles collectively." "an arrogant declaration of opinion."
I interpret the word "dogma" to mean the interpretation of scriptures that creates a religious philosophy and thus the proliferation of the many denominations within the Protestant churches.  Each thinking they got it right.  Some promote their philosophy in an arrogant manner.

I think that Shelagh and Diane have a good handle on labels.  Out of frustration, people often resort to labels or swear words when they can't think of an appropriate response.  Labels are often used as a short-cut.  If I were to use the word: "Buffoon" to describe how I feel about Trump, it would be incomplete and inaccurate in total.  One can find a singular act that would fit the word, but it would be misleading and inaccurate for a total characterization. BTW, I haven't found an appropriate word to describe him in total, but I'm working on it.