My last post prompted two commenters who wrote that they dislike labels. I'm not huge on labels either, for a number of reasons, including the pigeonholing of people and the fact that I don't really fit into a label myself.
But they can sometimes be useful, sort of as a rallying concept around which people can gather. I'm advocating "Hilchati", not as a set of dogma, but a large tent under which people can identify with one another.
Maybe label is the wrong term. Instead of defining the full person, it can simply be an aspect, such as "Yes, I have some Hilchati notions and ideas." It doesn’t have to encompass one’s whole identity, but can be used as an indicator, to whatever percentage the individual chooses.
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3 comments:
I get what you're trying to say here and it makes sense. I would describe myself as a Jew, a college student, a wife, a fan of indie music and movies. Some people may consider them labels, but you're right, they're really just parts of myself. But the way that you were writing in your last post was labeling people. You were saying that charedim are all the same and modern orthodox people were very different from each other. How is that not labeling the charedim?
I agree with you. It is definitly a convenient indicator. However, people sometimes forget that and stereotype by the lable, which really doesnt mean anything more than one group wears colors other tahn just black and white ...or s/t similar
I just came across your blog and I have to say its interesting because I take everything you are saying and poke fun at it in a dry satirical way- yeh most people get offended but its worth it for those few that love it.
http://frumsatire.net/2007/05/01/the-all-inclusive-guide-to-judging-and-labeling-every-orthodox-jewish-sect/
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