AVOID LABELLING PEOPLE

      

Who am I on the inside?

          Once upon a minute there lived a boy who liked to help people. He was always helping the "down-and-outers." The kids that other people seemed to pick on became his friends. That made him a target for the "in-crowd." They labeled him a "sissy" because he hung out with "weaker kids."

         The label made him sad. He wanted to be accepted. He wanted to fit in. He wanted the taunting to stop. Then one day in his immaturity, he discovered how to make the taunting stop: he became one of "them." He joined in the taunting and labeling of the "weak kids." He laughed at his new found popularity. His old friends felt sad and betrayed. They had once called him their "hero" because he defended them. Now he was one of the "in-crowd labelers." He was now a popular bully and he could hide his low self esteem behind his labeling ways.

          Labeling begins early in life and continues throughout life. Using a label to describe someone (even in your thoughts) puts limitations on people. If you tell a child that they are learning disabled, they will wear that label well. Mentors need "fresh eyes" and a "fresh heart" with each new Mentee. Begin each new relationship with a clean slate and look for the best in everyone you meet.

Thanks for your time.
Go do something nice for somebody.