Do labels (Goth, Emo, Prep, Jesus freak, Liberal, etc.) detriment our ability to fully understand ot

Why or why not?

For example: A guy wears tight jeans and has an emo hair style. By calling him an emo, one might assume he cuts himself and listens to depressing music when he really doesn't.

Do labels (Goth, Emo, Prep, Jesus freak, Liberal, etc.) detriment our ability to fully understand others?

I believe labels segregate us. I know a lot of people wait until they know if a person is a democrat or republican before they decide to agree or disagree with what the person is saying without judging the actual content.

Do labels (Goth, Emo, Prep, Jesus freak, Liberal, etc.) detriment our ability to fully understand others?

Yep. Labels are essentially stereotypes, and stereotypes are detrimental.

Do labels (Goth, Emo, Prep, Jesus freak, Liberal, etc.) detriment our ability to fully understand others?

Yes-outward appearance definitely causes others to treat us differently. We all make certain assumptions about others based on their appearance-usually without even being aware of it. My teenage daughter has had trouble with teachers since she began dressing "punk" or goth or whatever. She's had to put up with a lot of **** that she didn't experience when she dressed more "preppy." She's artistic, a very talented artist who's just trying to find out who she is and other adults definitely have a problem with how she looks. If they took the time to get to know her they would find out she is a very responsible, sweet, funny and pretty girl. She's very understanding, smart and a great listener. She doesn't do drugs or drink, she's a Christian. But the collective "they" automatically assume she's a druggie because of her clothes, hair and music preference. I've spoken with her about it and encouraged her to be sure to be extra polite, friendly, and strive to make good grades if she's going to go "against the grain" outwardly if only to prove the bastards wrong. It makes me mad that people do that-but I'm the first to admit certain assumptions I have about people considered "white trash." We all do it. You really do have to strive to keep an open mind about people and remember there's a difference between using good judgment and being judgemental.

Do labels (Goth, Emo, Prep, Jesus freak, Liberal, etc.) detriment our ability to fully understand others?

Absolutely. Regarding why, i can see this happening in my mind when i intend to label someone. Its one of the most stupid things one can do, and its in the field of time.

Do labels (Goth, Emo, Prep, Jesus freak, Liberal, etc.) detriment our ability to fully understand others?

Yes.

We cannot understand people around us without labeling them, but we are taught to attach negative connotations to almost every group labeled. We're taught from our parents, schools, and society in general. It's something that, unfortunately, will always be around.

Do labels (Goth, Emo, Prep, Jesus freak, Liberal, etc.) detriment our ability to fully understand others?

Yes. You basically answered your own question - we assign characteristics and stereotypes to people and assume they're true, and in so doing miss out on the chance to learn and understand more.

Do labels (Goth, Emo, Prep, Jesus freak, Liberal, etc.) detriment our ability to fully understand others?

Yes. It prevents us from really knowing a person. For instance, most of my friends are Democrats and I am a Republican. It there was such thing as labeling (and the fact that my friends and I are really stupid and pathetic) we wouldn't be friends. But we don't pay attention to that and we are still friends who fully understand who we are as people/