Labels

Some people get very hung up on labels. TheNakedPastor.com has, of late, been decrying labels that others put on him, refusing to be defined by them – while trying to take the label “atheist” himself. I am not sure I agree with this anti-labelism though.

I do have a problem with pigeon-holes. The difference is that you can only ever be in one pigeon-hole, and when you are in it, that defines you entirely, and tends to separate you from others – definition by those things that differ is a problem.

We were in Yorkshire recently, and had a meal from a Chinese Takeaway. I am presuming that it was run by a family, the older members of the family being in the back cooking, and talking Chinese exclusively. The younger members served us, and spoke English without a trace of Chinese accent. However one spoke with a Yorkshire accent, and one with a London or Southern accent. It made me wonder if they spoke Chinese with a Yorkshire accent, and how obscure that seems. But it made me think what are they? Chinese? Yes, by racial origin, family, one language. British? Yes by birth, I am guessing. Yorkshire? Yes, because that is where they live, and where the younger one was probably born. All of these make up a rich and varied cultural mix, all of these labels contribute to some part of who they are.

That is why I don’t have a problem with labels, because you can always add more labels. Yes, I am a Christian, Evangelical, supporter of Women Bishops and gay marriage. Some may label me “open evangelical”, others “liberal”, others “heretical” – that is fine, I will take those labels, but add my own – like “Biblically based” – usually one that sits uncomfortably with the others.

That is, I think the fun of labels. You can stick whatever labels you want on me. What you can’t do is ignore the others that I have stuck on me, or refuse to allow me to put my own labels on. You cannot define me with your labels – you can only add a particular something to the rich blend I already have.