Labels and Values

Labels are all around us.  I have been thinking about them a lot lately.  I suppose they are on my brain since I can't escape them.  For starters, I'm always looking at food labels.  Plus, once a week, I have to label my daughter's lunch, diapers and clothing before she attends a Mother's Day Out program.  I do everything but slap a big name sticker on her forehead before I drop her off for a few hours.



I am also thinking about the labels we give each other.  When I hear adults discussing other adults or even children, I'm amazed how quick some people are to call a child a "problem" or "spirited." Or when adults call another of their own "selfish," or "moronic."  In most cases it seems that these labels are given out simply because an individual doesn't like or doesn't understand what another person does or says.

Most recently there has been a debate brewing around my home town near New Orleans.  The controvery is surrounding labels and trademarks of the phrase "Who Dat" for Saints Football gear.  Now, most of you may remember that I don't watch football or even consider myself a sports fan.  But the topic of selling merchandise and the NFL trying to prevent vendors from placing the "Who Dat" slogan on clothing and other items does intrigues the writer and English major in me. 

Would this be an issue if the Saints weren't going to the Superbowl in less than a week?  Would anyone care?  I find it comical and admirable to read that Louisiana Congressmen like David Vitter are even taking a stance on this issue, telling the NFL that they can sue him or he'll start his own t-shirt label that says, "Who Dat Says We Can't Print Who Dat."

That leads me to my thoughts and questions for the day.... Who really owns a label?  And who decides what labels are worth?

The first question is tricky.  Lawyers will argue one way and the public may argue a different verdict.  Trademarks may be in place but they often have a gray area.  There is so much debate over this topic that I won't even dive into the thousands of cases over the past decade.  Remember when author J.K. Rowling was upset over her last Harry Potter book leaking out over the internet?  How about that Metallica vs. Napster case, anyone?  There's just too many examples to discuss.

The second question is easier to answer though.  Who decides the value of a label, word or item?  Well, we do, of course. 

We decide if something is valuable and worth the price listed on the tag.  We determine if the words someone says has any merit.  Do you believe in it?  How bad do you want it? What is it worth to you?  Are you willing to go against the grain and even stir up trouble by "owning" or buying a particular thing, phrase or label?

As I organized my closet over the weekend, finally clearing a path where I could walk inside, I ran my fingers through all my clothing.  Most of them are clearance items.  You know, the JC Penney or Sears BOGO specials.  But there are a few skirts or tops (even shoes) that I didn't care what the price was, I just had to have them.   Even though they sit there collecting dust now.



In fact, to this day, my mom still brings up that $200 homecoming suit that I begged to have my senior year of high school.  That top, skirt and matching hat that I would die if I didn't get.  The beautiful beige ensemble that I wanted to wear proudly across that football field for the big homecoming football game.  Football that I don't give a flip about, not then or now.  Those three minutes of glory have long been forgotten, but my mom still reminds me of that hefty price tag she paid for my happiness. 

That 1995 homecoming suit and those articles of clothing hanging on my shelves mean very little unless I place value in them. A Coach purse and Jimmy Choo shoes mean nothing to me today but they are everything to Carrie Bradshaw in Sex and the City.  Neither one of us is right or wrong in our choices.  We simply value things differently.

As I get older, my tastes and values are changing.  Right now, I'm more concerned with my own personal values rather than the articles of clothing and "stuff" sitting inside my house. 

I'm also trying hard to avoid reading into or attaching labels to other people. Including other children and my own daughter.   I'm tired of hearing negative things being said about this person or that thing.  I'm not taking stock in that kind of behavior anymore. 

And I am no longer allowing other people to label me or my kid.  No one else (except my husband Kirk) really knows who I am or who Vivian is as a person anyway.  Why should I listen to others' opinions?  They will most likely provide no value to me.   For example, if someone calls my Vivian "difficult," (as Vivian's former day care director said on our last day there), it will not mean anything, unless I let it get to me.  I don't have to believe what someone else says.  If I don't value the statement, the person or the label, then I don't have to "buy" it. 

I'm learning these lessons the hard way. But at least I'm learning them now.

Labels and values can apply to so much in life.  I'm seeing that more and more these days.  And I'm trusting my instincts to know what labels are important to me and how they affect my values.

Now, don't get me wrong.  I still buy labels from time to time.  I may even offer someone a label too.   Just last week, I had a small shopping spree and bought nothing but name brands.  (see below)




A "treat yourself trip" from time to time can make you feel good.  If you had two gift cards, like I did,  then it makes the store visits even more enjoyable.  :-)

Most importantly though, I valued the experience in the stores more than the items I purchased.  I had a few hours of Mandy time to myself (while Viv was being cared for at a Mother's Day Out program).  So I had nearly four hours where I could focus on just my own needs and wants.  I could relax and breathe easier.  There was no rushing around.  No worrying about anyone else for a change.

That time to reflect on my values, while I just happend to buy a few labels,..... well I guess you can call that priceless.