Seminar Reflections: Labels

[cathschaffstump]

I have been attending a class on the Mahabharata. Last week we talked about the details of the Indian epic, and I'd like to do some summarizing and reflection on it and the culture it represents, but this week, we're talking about symbol, culture, ritual, and art.

Right now, a discussion of labels is going on around me. We're talking about how people perceive others and how labels define us. I'm very curious about your opinions, so I'll throw out this question:

When you describe yourself in relation to your creative/occupational activity, how do you describe yourself to others?

Examples:

I'm an artist.
I'm a novelist.
I write novels.
I want to write novels.
I'm a published author.
I'm an author.
I am a _______ (the area of work which makes you money)

Further, how do you feel how you describe yourself affects how other people see you?

Examples:

The label I use makes people see me as overconfident.
The label I use makes people uncomfortable.
The label I use term makes people respect me more.

Finally, why do you choose the term you use to describe yourself?

Very interested in your answers!

Mirrored from Writer Tamago.