How do you feel when you consciously identify with a particular group or category?

Depending on the situation and throughout our day, we may consciously identify with any number of groups or categories. These may include liberal, male, parent, child, conservative, female, police officer, teacher, soldier, Christian, atheist, urban, rural, American, Mexican, tall, short, thin, overweight, smart, humanist, environmentalist, scientist, etc.

What is the experience with identifying with these groups? Do you experience anything different when the group is more specific vs. more inclusive? In other words, is there a qualitative difference between consciously identifying as a Democrat vs. human? Sure, we don’t ever deny that we are human when we actively identify as a Democrat. But the context in which we actively pick up a label such as “Democrat” or “computer programmer” is different than in the context of consciously identifying as “human”.

Do you feel a difference – even while just considering these terms now?