Sidney Poitier, Racism, Labels, and Me

I heard an interview with Sidney Poitier on the radio on the way to work this morning. It was a bit inspiring, and it also made me realize something about myself.

Mr Poitier spent his early years living poor on Cat Island, in the Bahamas. He didn't see such things as cars or a mirror until he was about ten years old, around the time he went to live with a brother in Miami.

One thing that shocked him about Florida in those days (he was born in 1927) was the racism. His interpretation of that racism was what I found to be fascinating, and it probably was a huge part of his success in life. He viewed racism as other people trying to tell him who he was. He rejected those opinions.

His reaction to racism struck a chord in me. It made me realize why I dislike labels -- I strongly dislike people telling me what or who I should be. Labels, like racism, are an attempt at a narrow definition. In this case, the definition of people. These definitions are restrictive. They attempt to restrict personal liberty.

I believe in Liberty as a strong source of human power. Liberty is why I am a supporter of the US Constitution and a detractor of religious indoctrination. Liberty, at the personal and societal levels, allows people or societies to be great (or losers, if that is their choice). I cannot help but refer, yet again, to the motto on the first US coinage: "Lib[erty] Par[ent] of Science and Industry". Labels, such as those employed by racism, are an assault on Liberty, and on the potential greatness of individuals and societies.

I don't like it when people try to label me (or try to force me to label myself), and I don't like to see anyone labeled, by themselves or others. The freedom to be who/what we want is one of the most precious things we can possess. A little bit of Liberty dies each time a label sticks, and so does a little bit of human greatness.

Sidney Poitier rejected the labels of racism (and other labels, I would expect) and went on to become a noted individual. He not only gained awards and notoriety in his chosen field, he also helped to break down racial divides, and brought great respect to himself. He was even knighted in 1974. All this from a boy born and raised in poverty. And largely because he rejected the labels others tried to impose upon him.

So don't label yourself. You are merely you, not "a doctor" or "a soldier" or "a musician" or " a carpenter" or whatever labels you may put upon yourself. Break free from the confines of such narrow, freedom-inhibiting ways. And definitely don't allow others to put labels on you. Life is too short to not be free.