For example, labeling theory, which is based on the idea that behaviors are deviant only when society labels them as deviant. "Labeling theory is the theory of how the self-identity and behavior of individuals may be determined or influenced by the terms used to describe or classify them. It is associated with the concepts of self-fulfilling prophecy and stereotyping." * At one time, homosexuals and bisexuals were worshiped as demi-gods by ancient societies in the Mediterranean region. Fast forward to 30 years ago, and homosexuality was classified as a mental illness. Today, there is a sweeping tide of change in society which labels homosexuality as "normal".
Spirituality, on the other hand, is subjective. Each of us sees things from our own perspective. That perspective is tainted with emotional baggage, myopia, and ignorance much of the time. Particularly in Western society, individualism is lauded. Therefore, an individual who is seen as a 'maverick' or fights against what others label him/her to be is revered. There is also a tendency toward dualism- good versus bad, black versus white, mind versus body, etc... that interferes with an objective perspective as well.
In the spiritual community, regardless of your religion/spiritual path, there are also behaviors and labels that put parameters around the definition of a specific path. Terms ranging from very broad and loose definitions, like "Pagan", to very specific like, "Alexandrian Traditional Wicca". The more loosely defined, the more room for argument over the definition of a thing.
The words "Pagan" and "Christian" both began as insults. "Christian" meant "mini-Christ" and was used as a derogatory term against the minority who followed the teachings of Jesus in Roman society. "Pagan" meant "country-dweller" (think country bumpkin, redneck, et al), and was used as a derogatory term by Christians, once they assumed power in that region of the world.In the past few years, the term "Pagan" has been argued and bantered about over the interwebs. Those who once labeled themselves Pagan because it meant "Polytheist" to them, now spurn that label because it's too broad and encompassing. Some argue that it should be a big umbrella to cover everyone who isn't in one of the "big three religions" (Christianity, Islam, Judaism). Given that Paganism is not monocentric and has no ruling body over it, there is no "right or wrong" to the definition. It's fluid and changing constantly by individuals who use it.
There is no "good or bad" to that label, either. To be considered a "good Christian", one follows the tenets of the bible, goes to church, etc... those are defined by leaders within that religion and/or by the holy texts to which they adhere. The same is true for Islam and Judaism.
Pagans don't have one specific set of holy texts to follow, as the term broadly encompasses what has been termed as "earth-based religions". There are folks out there who've created their own labels and definitions of what it means to be Pagan.
There is no such thing as a "good Pagan" or "bad Pagan" when the only definition is that you aren't a Christian, Muslim or Jew. There is no real lingua franca in Paganism. Many times, I've seen Wicca used as such for practices like open rituals, and a lot of those who use the Pagan label refer to things like "The Wheel of the Year", "Sabbats", etc.. but, they don't consider themselves Wiccan, even if they use those terms.
The word "bitch" has become a word that I've seen women owning with pride.
From the Online Etymology Dictionary:
"bitch (n.)
Old English bicce "female dog," probably from Old Norse bikkjuna "female of the dog" (also fox, wolf, and occasionally other beasts), of unknown origin. Grimm derives the Old Norse word from Lapp pittja, but OED notes that "the converse is equally possible."
As a term of contempt applied to women, it dates from c.1400; of a man, c.1500, playfully, in the sense of "dog." Used among male homosexuals from 1930s. In modern (1990s, originally black English) slang, its use with reference to a man is sexually contemptuous, from the "woman" insult.
BITCH. A she dog, or doggess; the most offensive appellation that can be given to an English woman, even more provoking than that of whore. ["Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue," 1811]"
This idea that if we own the label, we'll make it palatable is a dangerous practice. Particularly with this word. It seems that those who are owning this label refer to someone who insults and bullies others; and who is rude, obnoxious and narcissistic.
Words are powerful- any magical practitioner will tell you that. Be very careful in what words you use to define (limit) yourself. And, watch your motivations as well.. Ask yourself, "Is this who I am or want to be?" and carefully consider it before you stick that label on yourself.Intention is powerful, yes. But, it isn't everything, and once you set a thing in motion, it's very difficult to stop it. It tends to snowball. Like it or not, you are owning those labels, and they are difficult to peel off once you don't like them anymore.
I encourage you to make a list of words you use to define yourself. Look up the etymology of those words. Determine your own motivations and intentions for their use, and decide whether you want to be limited by these definitions. In the long-run, it's you that you help or harm with those parameters.
*"Labeling theory: Social constructionism, Social stigma, Deinstitutionalisation, George Herbert Mead, Howard S. Becker, Labelling"