Labeling Essay Sociology

When a person is labeled as something he or she has become part of that particular sub-culture, and although that person might not consider themselves to be that particular label, society has the majority rule. If society considers a person with tattoos a rebel, that person is now a troublemaker in society’s eyes; he or she carries the characteristics of that certain label, and that title sticks. Labeling in society is a natural human property. Humans label sub-consciously in order to organize the people they may come in contact with in society day-to-day. This action takes place because having a label does not stop at the face; it runs much deeper. Labels carry characteristics, properties, and key traits that can give a person an idea of what someone is like before they even say “[H]ello”. Every person has a label or title, but how does the labeling of people and groups affect others around them and society as a whole? In the article Decent into Madness: The New Mexico State Prison Riot written by Mark Colvin labeling plays an extraordinary role in the events leading up to the 1980 riot and the events that occurred during the riot. In the prison system being labeled something negative like a snitch can be potentially deadly. The guards would use labeling to coerce inmates into spilling useful information. The labeling in this prison system effects inmates greatly causing amalgams of emotions and an inner battle between what they believe is right and the what they pledged to their gangs. The labeling in a prison system effects directly affects the other inmates, not just a singled out victim. Others might feel betrayed which could lead to a whirlwind of other consequences, actions, and emotions. Another article that shows how society is affected by labels is The New Tattoo Subculture by Anne M. Velliquette and Jeff B. Murray. People with tattoos are constantly being titled rebels, troublemakers, and delinquents, when in fact people with tattoos usually have a