Divide And Falter

They say that mankind is a species that lives to categorize itself and the things around us. We categorize nature, places, things, but more than anything else, we categorize ourselves. Weather it be in politics(Liberals and Democrats) or education(Freshmen and Seniors) or in our careers(Desk Jockey and Managers), ultimately we give a name or label to basically everything we encounter.

Now this categorization is essential to the organization of our lives, yes, but when these labels become so commonplace as to define the person, that is when individuality is compromised. We've all experienced some of this, whether it be a stereotype or a name we give ourselves. When it comes right down to it, many people give up their individuality and purposely live up to fulfill the labels given them. There are many examples of this: Immigrants traveling to America to live the "American Dream", Businessmen placing professionalism over moral instinct, children living up to the "punk" or "rebel" fan base. The list goes on and on.

The sad part about this is how many of us shape our future to fit one of these labels. Whether it be to grow up and be a successful and rich business man, or grow up and raise many children as a perfect mother, or even just grow up and become a rock star, these labels influence almost every action in our lives whether we are aware of it or not.

In order to make decisions from our own mind we must realize what has been influencing it. Try and think of what your life goal is, then ask yourself this: Is that your goal in life?