Labels

Labels, we wear them so proudly and in vain
we stand for them even if they drive us insane
like labels of race, religion, gender, and orientation
and we fight for them all through any situation

We've worn them as long as we can remember
like societies and clubs of which we are members
even cliques of friends from school and beyond
often come together because of a labeled bond

The saddest part of labels is that they divide
and yet we flaunt them with such ignorant pride
they cause fights, war, and unnecessary conflicts
and we don't see the consequences that they inflict

To some, they invite exclusivity and create archetypes
but they diminish individuality and invite stereotypes
it can even be an association and not just a name
but all they do is divide us and that's really a shame

And yet here we are, still so ignorant and blind
without even realizing what we do is unkind
believing that we're still standing up for what's right
while all we do is adding to an unjust fight

Especially now, when our differences should be meaningless
we're still divided and there's just no redeeming us
as humans, we all believe that we can't be wrong
we need to bury this thinking if we are to come out strong

Granted, we all have different opinions and beliefs
which is fine as long as they don't bring anyone grief
maybe if we took time to learn, we wouldn't discriminate
and maybe just maybe, we could put a dent in all the hate

Until we get past this, our world will always be separate
by labels and stereotypes that are stupid and inappropriate
at the end of the day, whether you're a man or a woman
the only label we should all wear is "human"