So I've been having this thing about labels lately. How much do we define ourselves by our labels? What I mean by that is that humans as a species tend to overgeneralize a lot, and when we label ourselves we get slapped into a category that has nothing to do with who we are.
For example: I like men. Good for me - by definition this says I am gay. This must also mean that I wear makeup, have all girl friends and all we do is talk about boys, and I can't play sports for shit because I'm too weak. None of the above is true... Well, maybe the third one, but that's more because I have biological conditions that prevent me from breathing and running at the same time (See asthma). Liking men does not like me a girl... I mean, hell, I know girls who can play sports better than most guys can. Gay is not just an identification, but a stereotype.

Today, I was told to compete against some girls in a writing contest (NaNoWriMo challenge to some other teenagers) to prove to them that '[girls] always say that they're better, but [guys] always win'. I cannot tell you how disgusted by this comment I was. Gender has shit to do with winning or losing. If I compete against someone in a contest (especially when speed is concerned) and win, I assume it's because I either had more time than they did, or I'm more dedicated to the task. It's NEVER about whether the person I'm beating is male or female. Or if I'm losing against someone.

Sometimes I wonder how much we lose as a species when we say what we are? Male, female, gay, straight, pansexual, bisexual, Americans, Chinese, Israeli, Iraqi, Muslim, Jewish, Christian, athiest - and the list goes on forever.

Even if things are defined a certain way, they carry with it certain connotations that make the label more than a label, but a self definition that may not be what was originally implied by making the statement.

I propose a challenge to those who are interested: Think about things as they are, and not how you think they are based on their labels. Yes, it's true you'll find some people who do fit stereotypes, but it's just a label.

It's late, and I'm failing to articulate this well... Bottom line: You are YOURSELF. You can tack on as many labels as you like, but by doing so you only limit the way you think and the way others perceive you.

I guarantee this won't be the last time you see me talk about this - it's a subject I'm really passionate about. I invite you to challenge my ideas and add your own. Debate and conversation on this topic is welcome.

In other news, I'm 2/5ths through NaNo.