It's Time...To Ditch The Labels

Let me begin with a story. When I was teaching middle schoolers in a special education class, some had specific interests in programs outside of school. One was interested in horses, both in riding and in taking care of them while another wanted to become a mechanic. There were appropriate programs offered in the regional BOCES that provided wonderful opportunities. However, I remember a student complaining that other kids referred to him as a "BOCE".

In the current political climate, labeling others seems to have reached an all time high. When making a point or sharing an opinion, referring to someone as a MAGA or Lib pretty much ends any hope of finding common ground, let alone a solution to any problem. In my book, Defining America, one chapter is entitled Terms And Labels to illustrate how different individuals would disagree on what certain words mean. It seems to me that the way forward is to stick to facts and issues without any accompanying labels. Is that even possible? Who knows?

Jim