We live in a world more and more defined by labels: Rich/poor; hip/nerd; Republican/ Democrat; athlete/geek; straight/LGBT, etc. In the song lyrics of a 1971 semi-hit song, Signs, by the Canadian rock group, Five Man Electric Band we were admonished:
Signs, signs, everywhere there’s signs.
[Blocking out] the scenery, breakin’ my mind.
Do this, don’t do that, can’t you read the sign?
We seem obsessed with labels, signs, and in this political season: name calling. To a guy who grew up with the nickname “Little Booger Krueger,” my inner child seems relatively immune to the effects of those labels, signs, and names.
Additionally, I have learned that certain “signs” have great value, such as, “The 7 Warning Signs of Cancer;” DETOUR or ROAD CLOSED signs; virus warning signs on my computer, etc.
Whether I like, appreciate, or participate in this signage, labeling, or categorizing exercise or not, it seems to matter little. As a sixty-four year old, balding, white, male, (Wow! That’s four in a row,) I have come to a place in life where the acknowledgment of differences is significant and can create a learning/teachable moment.
Specifically I refer you to the article, “Why Millennials Keep Dumping You: An Open Letter to Management.” Keeping with the musical analogy of the first part of this missive, in the 1964 words of the immortal Bob Dylan, “The Times They Are a Changin’”
Viva La Difference!
