Words and duels

I couldn't agree more with most of what you said, especially you conclusion. I do not think that labels are necessary a bad thing, although they come with varying degrees of accuracy an usefulness depending upon the context and use. Mostly, they can be used to identify trends to further research. The problem comes when labels are misused, dwelt upon, used to belittle or demean, or to distract us from what is really important.

Labels can be used to separate, but they can also be used to unite; to include a once vilified minority in with the rest of society; to further our knowledge of a particular sub-set of human qualities, or that of a particular social group; and to distinguish those people who have outstanding traits and honor them.

Words are powerful. I once heard it said that a label is a bit like a gun in a duel: the first one to get to it is almost always the last one standing. Be the first to define yourself and you shall never fear a label again.