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I’m Okay, You’re Not: the Practice of Labeling in the Field of Paranormal Investigation

© Dayna Winters

Labeling is the practice of stereotyping or typecasting individuals based on their appearances, beliefs or practices. Such a practice is not only troublesome; it can be both extremely limiting and even detrimental to the subjects of labeling. So, what has the practice of labeling have to do with ghost investigations? Unfortunately, quite a lot! We see it all the time, as ghost investigators we are often ridiculed for our beliefs and practices. Even worse, is when our religious beliefs come into play and people stereotype us based on fixed ideas formulated from misinformation. Sadly, stereotypes are prejudiced points of view that can even lead to personal or religious persecution.

There are so many stereotypes used to label people that it would be virtually impossible to cover every kind of stereotype created in one article. Here, we will cover a few of the common labels that arise within the paranormal field and will additionally try to dispel the false impressions that form the erroneous labels in the first place!

Myth Number 1:

"You believe in ghosts therefore you must be crazy!"

Rebuttal:

No, we are not crazy, we just believe in life after death and that spirits can communicate with the living even after death. When considering how many religions in existence that embrace the idea of life after death, it is not a stretch in understanding that as ghost investigators, we embrace the same idea. That doesn't make us crazy, it makes us firm in our concepts pertaining to life after death and sometimes, it makes us firm in our faith.

Myth Number 2:

"Rational individuals do not believe in the nonsense of ghosts and spirits."

Rebuttal:

Nothing could be more incorrect. Many rational human beings believe in life after death and the existence of spirits. Such beliefs are often based on their own religious concepts or even on personal experiences. Whether or not an individual believes in the existence of spirits has nothing to do with their ability to think logically. In fact, most individuals who believe in the existence of spirits keep their rational thinking in check by repeatedly questioning and testing their own beliefs.

Myth Number 3:

"People who study the paranormal often spread corrupt ideas to otherwise uncorrupt or innocent individuals who are easily swayed, and fragile-minded."

Rebuttal:

As students of the paranormal, (and we stress the word students because we deal with the unexplained and we are forever involved in the learning process) we do not sermonize our teaching and then spread the word as far as our ability allows us. Rather, we offer to answer questions and when questions arise we do not hesitate to address them. Our philosophy is: "if you don't really want to know what we believe, then you shouldn't ask!" We are not out to alter anyone's point of view as everyone has the unique and inherent right to believe as they choose. We are, however, willing to educate those who desire to know about the paranormal.

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