In response to Hallie...

In response to Hallie's question, "Do you think there will ever be a time when labels will no longer matter?"
Frankly, no, I don't think its possible for labels not to matter. The way in which we form judgements, or "label" people, simply proves the power of words due to the meanings (and connotations) we attach to them. Though these connotations may vary from person to person, the intrinsic presence of a meaning remains. For example, one person may see the label "socialist" and throw up red flags warning against insanity, whereas another may calmly recall with reverence Marx's theories. Despite the difference of meaning, both hypothetical people described used their prior knowledge and personal opinions to make a value judgement. We as humans can't help but impose our opinions (wether conscious or subconscious) upon all we encounter. Our opinions and previous knowledge (or lack thereof) of the label in question both play integral parts in the "judgement" process. I think that the only way labels could no longer matter would be to strip all labels of both their literal and their social meanings, which would be entirely impossible. As long as words retain meaning and connotation, and humans continue communicating, labels will exist and continue to matter.
Q: If an individual has a fleeting racist, sexist, or other essentially discriminatory or immoral thought, but immediately discards it, does it make the thought O.K.? Or is the individual still to be held responsible for the thought?