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In our society, labels have become a prevalent way to categorise and define ourselves. And to be honest, I am getting sick of it.
I hate it when I see posts or articles that turn labels into mere buzzwords or trendy identifiers. When this happens, division arises as we focus more on our differences rather than our similarities. But it isn't the labels that are the problem, it's the way that we, as individuals, interpret and form opinions and judgements about what they mean and represent.
This article is a personal reflection and delves into the complexities of labels, using "Punk" culture and veganism as examples, and examines how judgments hinder unity.
I believe that we can strive for a more compassionate and harmonious society by embracing change, challenging norms, and questioning everything.
Join me on this personal reflection as I unravel the impact of labels and explore the path towards unity.
- Labels: Empowering or Limiting?
- The Complexities of Being a "Punk"
- Embracing Change and Challenging Norms
- The Impact of Our Choices
- Questioning Everything
- The Complexity of Labels: Veganism as an Example
- Striving for Compassion, Kindness, and Curiosity
Labels: Empowering or Limiting?
I get it; labels can be a powerful tool for self-expression and identity formation. They provide a sense of belonging, helping individuals find their community in a diverse world.
For instance, the 'Punk' label is more than a fashion statement; it represents rebellion against societal norms, a voice for the voiceless. Anarchy, the sense of urgency to do something right now, and the "do-it-yourself" mentality are just some aspects of punk culture that people resonate with.
Like the Punk community, vegans, too, find empowerment in their label, which signifies their commitment to animal rights and environmental sustainability.
However, the power of labels is a double-edged sword.
While offering a sense of identity and community, they can also limit our understanding of others, reducing complex individuals into oversimplified categories. They segment and separate people who potentially all have a similar collective goal – surviving as a human society.
For instance, labelling someone as 'Punk' or 'Vegan' might lead to stereotyping, making assumptions about their beliefs and behaviours based on the narrow definitions of these terms.
This could potentially create division and misunderstanding, overshadowing the rich tapestry of individual experiences within these communities. Thus, while labels can foster solidarity and pride, they can also confine and constrain.
The Complexities of Being a "Punk"
Consider the term "Punk" as an example. Personally, I identify as a "Punk" even though I don't look like one (so many assume that punk means having a mohawk or brightly coloured hair, piercings and tattoos, and while some do, some do not).
I am deeply involved in the underground punk scene in the UK and Europe. To me, being a "Punk" embodies the ethos of the DIY punk rock culture and represents a rebellion against commercialisation and exclusivity and the DIT (do it together) culture or working with each other to support the scene and amplify marginalised voices, making gig spaces safer, and more inclusive. But that's MY opinion of them.
For one thing, I know that I still conform to many societal norms because the existing systems make it challenging to do otherwise. It is important to recognise the complexity of labels and the diversity of perspectives within them.
Embracing Change and Challenging Norms
While some "punks" advocate for radical measures like "killing the rich," I find this statement defeatist. Instead, I believe in the power of "becoming the rich" or at least equalising the playing field by changing the narrative.
Utilising my voice and privilege as an intelligent white woman, I strive to uplift marginalised communities and educate others on how they can contribute to ensuring equity for all.
To me, it is essential to challenge the status quo and work towards positive change within our society.
The Impact of Our Choices
Three fundamental aspects impact all of us:
- the state of our planet's health,
- how we treat one another, and
- the sources from which we obtain information.
The planet is dying at the hands of our choices. For three decades, I've felt the overwhelming pressure to make personal changes to my life in the hopes of making a positive impact. And I know, so very well, it's tiring and can feel like we're making no headway as individuals when we can't see the fruits of our decisions making a difference.
However, I believe that small, consistent efforts create a ripple effect and can ultimately lead to significant change. Things like, talking with friends, family, and fans about the entrepreneurs and businesses who inspire you, and are making changes to serve the greater good. Even better, support them by consuming their products.
It's also vital to recognise how our actions impact others and to strive to treat everyone with respect and empathy. We must challenge societal norms that perpetuate discrimination and actively work towards creating a more inclusive world for all.
Mainstream media is a HUGE culprit in sculpting and influencing peoples views and opinions on what's happening in the world and so often it is sensationalised, because that's what 'gets the clicks'. All it does is encourages judgment of others, which hinders unity.
To create a better future, we must exercise our individual agency, focus on supporting one another and the planet, and share alternative news sources that prioritise constructive journalism and facts.
By doing so, we increase the chances of coexisting harmoniously.
Questioning Everything
As individuals, we possess a certain level of choice in who we support through our purchases and where we obtain our information.
By being critical thinkers and questioning ourselves, our beliefs, values, and opinions (where they even came from? Are they truly ours or something impressed on us as children growing up?), we can strive to live a more harmonious life.
And when we do discover something that is going to be beneficial to our society in a positive way, share it; for example, if you discover a company that is B Corp Certified trading in toilet paper, such as Who Gives A Crap, subscribe to their offer, experience it, and tell others about it.
The Complexity of Labels: Veganism as an Example
Another label that often leads to assumptions and judgments is identifying as vegan.
While I predominantly follow a plant-based diet, I acknowledge the complexities and inconsistencies that arise. I avoid saying I'm vegan because I'm scared people are going to put me in their own category of what it means that's been influenced by the media. I get sick of explaining why I don't eat animals but will eat meat substitutes! I never said that animals aren't tasty; I just don't want to kill and eat another living thing if I can help it!
I mean, seriously, even seemingly insignificant items may contain traces of animal products. Here are just a few:
- Beer: Some beers may contain non-vegan ingredients made from animals, such as isinglass (fish bladder), gelatin, and egg whites.
- Perfume and aftershave: Some fragrances may contain animal-derived ingredients such as musk, civet, and ambergris.
- White and brown sugar: Some sugar is processed using bone char made from cattle bones.
- Fabric softener: Some fabric softeners may contain tallow, a rendered form of beef or mutton fat.
- Plastic bags: Some plastic bags may contain stearic acid, which is derived from animal fat.
- Shampoo and conditioner: Some hair care products may contain keratin, which is derived from animal hooves, feathers, and horns.
- Medicine and supplements: Some medications and supplements may contain animal-derived ingredients such as gelatin, lactose, and stearic acid.
To discover more, you can read this medium article, 20 Surprising Things That Contain Animal Products.
Furthermore, the distinction between consuming farm animals and pets like dogs or cats is blurred to me. I can't see the difference.
Years ago, I did a Wilderness Survival Course (I was an omnivore at this point), and I realised that I couldn't even prepare an already dead animal, let alone kill one. Sure, if I was stuck in the wilderness for a period of time without food, my natural survival instincts may kick in (I've heard the stories), but as I currently have the luxury of choice, I opt not to consume them.
Recognising the nuances and individual choices within labels like veganism or punk is important. I don't care if you're not vegan or if you don't have a plant-based diet. I accept that it is your choice. But don't question why I do; just accept it and be considerate of people's dietary requirements and choices (unless you're genuinely curious and open to what they have to say).
Striving for Compassion, Kindness, and Curiosity
In acknowledging that everyone is a hypocrite to some degree, we can commit to compassion, kindness, and curiosity. We're all learning, changing, and navigating this world as best we can, hopefully, in an effort to advance humankind.
I reckon we can discover a path towards living a more harmonious life by questioning ourselves, our beliefs, values, and opinions and scrutinising everything we are told.
If studying and practising Yoga and Buddhism has taught me anything, it is this. Strive to embrace unity, challenge judgments, and create a society that celebrates our similarities rather than focusing on our differences.
To Sum Up...
Exploring labels and perspectives in punk culture and beyond reveals the complexities and diversity that exist within our society.
I get it; labels can be both empowering and limiting, depending on how they are embraced and understood. But by challenging norms, embracing change, and questioning everything, we can strive for a more compassionate and harmonious society.
Our choices profoundly impact our planet's health, how we treat one another, and the sources of information we rely on. By exercising our individual agency, supporting one another, and sharing alternative news sources that prioritise constructive journalism and facts, we can contribute to coexisting harmoniously.
Ultimately, by committing to compassion, kindness, and curiosity, we can create a society that celebrates our similarities rather than focusing on our differences.
Disclaimer: Some links included in this article are affiliate links. This means I will get a reward if you use this link and make a purchase. Just know that I only every share links to products and services I believe in.
