What's in a Label
We are taught to value labels.
Labels indicate significance and imply quality. Labels are designed to attract. They convey prestige and signify status to others. Labels present a mirage of exclusivity.
For us mortals, labels can be given or manufactured. The given label might be bestowed by birthright. Or alternatively manufactured by circumstance, such as success.
Whether given or earned, the label is simply a perception that’s been manufactured and accepted as fact.
Labels can genuine but they can also be counterfeit. The difference lies in the authenticity of what lies underneath. What is the label affixed to?
No label, whether given, manufactured or even counterfeit is really the truth. The label never, ever tells the whole story. Only the perception. We are just told what to believe and accept. And most do.
The exclusive designer item made by child labor in Asia.
The insanely expensive Swiss watch made in China.
The haughty landed gentry who is cashless.
The untouchable star who is an addict.
But what of the item, or person that lacks a label?
Does the absence of a recognized label imply generic? Of lesser value? Is what lacks a label without equal value or distinction to those with accepted labels?
But just perhaps what goes without a label, or chooses to remove it, isn’t generic.
Possibly, what now lacks a recognizable label is quite the contrary.
Perhaps what now is label-less is an original. One of one. In no need of a label.
Without the label, is the value diminished?
Or does it’s worth originate from elsewhere? Does the value come from the label or from within?
What has more value? What lies underneath the label or the label itself?
Perhaps consider removing the label assigned to you, that at some point you may have accepted. Perhaps allow the original work that sits behind it to stand on its own merit.
The one of one of you.
Just perhaps the label is restricting the value of what is underneath.
After all, what is more breathtaking, inspiring? Timeles and valuable?
A designer handbag with an exclusive label, which made fade with time or when the fickle interests of those obsessed with surface level distinction move their attention elsewhere?
Or a unique, work of art painted by a genius. One which captivates and refuses to be forgotten by those who encounter it? Not for all, but for those who it is for, they never forget it and it changes them forever.
I suppose it depends on what you want and what influences you.
For those of you who understand these words, be the painting and not the bag.