A lot of thoughtful observations in here. I'm with you, Bill. Some people look for common ground where they can make a connection with other people, rather than focusing on differences in a negative way.
Differences are the spice of life, you know. I figure one of me is more than enough, and I really enjoy seeing life through new perspectives that cause me to stretch a little. If you take the time to get to know someone else, rather than feeling frustrated that they don't appreciate YOU, it's amazing what bonds can be formed. The greatest test for me is trying to connect with people who are always critical and angry. They are looking for agreement with their perspective on life, and while I can try to understand them and be sympathetic with them, I can't accept their negative attitudes. Then, common ground is hard to come by.

And you're right, we do have to categorize things, and to some extent, people, too. Capital L labels for groups of people are risky though, because labels are not usually positive. I believe that as a group, folk musicians are warm and accepting. My wife, who didn't even know what folk music was until she met me, and isn't a "folkie"
still often comments about how warm and accepting folk musicians are.
Right off hand, that's about the only positive "Label" that comes to mind. Of course, ALL folk musicians aren't that way, but it's refreshing to hear a positive generalization that's being made, not to put down another group, in contrast. And of course, as some friends in here who are conservative Republicans have discovered, the warm, accepting, friendly acceptance isn't as easily granted to them as it is to Liberal Democrats by some members of the Cat.

Only goes to show. We're all human. Maybe even Human.

Jerry