# In an op-ed, Prof. Adam Alter explains how labels can impact a person's identity

1 Faculty News May 4, 2013 ![The Week logo ](/sites/default/files/styles/246w/public/assets/images/con_041813.jpg?itok=uK84bgmS)>

Excerpt from [The Week](http://theweek.com/article/index/243580/how-labels-like-black-and-working-class-shape-your-identity) -- "Social labels aren't born dangerous. There's nothing inherently problematic about labeling a person 'right-handed' or 'black' or 'working class,' but those labels are harmful to the extent that they become associated with meaningful character traits."

[Read more](http://theweek.com/article/index/243580/how-labels-like-black-and-working-class-shape-your-identity)