Shattering Labels

I have an amusing, perhaps ridiculous, last name. Names are our most defining characteristic. It’s given to us when we are born and unless you undergo some sort of legal process it stays with you until it’s etched on your tombstone, urn, or whatever when you pass.

We go through life with our name as our stamp. You put it on the top of every paper you write throughout school. It’s the first line on your college applications. I hope it’s the first line on your resume - if not, that might explain why you’re unemployed. It’s right there when you file your taxes. When you introduce yourself, it’s what you say.

Our second most defining characteristic is our age. People may try to hide from it, others may revel in it (my neighbor has a kid who proudly pronounces that he is “8 and a half” whenever he sees me). It’s an indication of our passing of years. Some try to claim it’s an indication of wisdom. It is not. It’s just a number.

So we have our name and our age. That’s who we are. And it certainly is enough to distinguish people from one another. I ask any of my friends if they would ever get confused if someone said “Do you know the 36 year old Ravi Pimplaskar?” 

“Which one?”

People choose to individualize themselves further. They get tattoos or piercings. Or make certain fashion choices. This is how we express ourselves. It’s making a statement. People may interpret that statement differently. But that’s what makes personal statements so great - they are open to interpretation. 

But that doesn’t define us. It’s an expression of what we are - what we do. Saying “She’s the gal with the tattoo” tells you nothing about that particular person. If it does, you are stretching and jumping to conclusions.

People also choose to identify with different things. My heritage is Indian. I root for (mostly) teams from Pittsburgh. I am a Democrat (likely socialist). I have a blog with my name on it. These associations are how we have chosen to relate. People may choose to feel about certain associations differently. But that’s what makes associations so great - they are susceptible to feelings.

But these associations don’t define us. It’s simply proof of being a living, breathing individual. Saying “He’s the socialist who roots for the Steelers” shouldn’t tell you how you feel about that person one way or another.

I base my life on human interaction. I care about your name because that’s what I want to call you. I don’t care about anything else. You be who you want to be. I’ll be who I am. Free of judgment. 

That’s how I want to live life.