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It's not about "labels", it's about people embracing those labels as an identity. Historically, only a small proportion of the population would identify themse

It's not about "labels", it's about people embracing those labels as an identity. Historically, only a small proportion of the population would identify themselves by their zodiac sign, their temperament, whatever. Now, a growing, significant proportion are identifying themselves AS their disorder. That in itself, could be seen as a meta-disorder, as people are, and should be, more complex than a single label, let alone a disorder.

ahartmetz 2y ago
I think it is helpful for people to find that what is wrong with them isn't a unique character flaw but a well-known problem, so they can feel less guilty and maybe find known ways to cope. But that is all. What I don't like are things like using the label to reject responsibility for one's own actions because "all X are like that", being upfront about the label where it isn't necessary, glorifying the label ("X are good at Y"), and yes, forming an identity around the label. I guess it's kind of the zeitgeist what with identity politics and all that.
- nicbou 2y ago
  That's exactly what it was for me. It's a lot easier to work on a problem when you know what it stems from, have a vocabulary to describe it, and can rely on proven fixes from people in the same situation. Hell, it's nice just to know that others are in a similar predicament and make relatable memes about it.
chipdart 2y ago
> Historically, only a small proportion of the population would identify themselves by their zodiac sign, their temperament, whatever. I don't think is true. Even Mensa, which by design is expected to be very exclusive, reportedly has over a hundred thousand members. Mensa is also one of many IQ-based social organizations. You also mention "small proportion of the population would identify themselves by their zodiac sign" but the horoscope was ever present in mainstream newspapers and is even published in dedicated magazines.

ahartmetz 2y ago

I think it is helpful for people to find that what is wrong with them isn't a unique character flaw but a well-known problem, so they can feel less guilty and maybe find known ways to cope. But that is all. What I don't like are things like using the label to reject responsibility for one's own actions because "all X are like that", being upfront about the label where it isn't necessary, glorifying the label ("X are good at Y"), and yes, forming an identity around the label. I guess it's kind of the zeitgeist what with identity politics and all that.

nicbou 2y ago
That's exactly what it was for me. It's a lot easier to work on a problem when you know what it stems from, have a vocabulary to describe it, and can rely on proven fixes from people in the same situation. Hell, it's nice just to know that others are in a similar predicament and make relatable memes about it.

chipdart 2y ago

> Historically, only a small proportion of the population would identify themselves by their zodiac sign, their temperament, whatever. I don't think is true. Even Mensa, which by design is expected to be very exclusive, reportedly has over a hundred thousand members. Mensa is also one of many IQ-based social organizations. You also mention "small proportion of the population would identify themselves by their zodiac sign" but the horoscope was ever present in mainstream newspapers and is even published in dedicated magazines.