We're used to hearing the idea that we need to be loyal to our families and that 'blood is thicker than water'. However, family loyalty is not just a source of warmth and protection, but can also have disastrous consequences.
In the text 'Romeo and Juliet', the love of the two main characters is doomed (they are labelled 'star cross'd lovers) because of the longstanding violent feud between their two families (Montagues vs. Capulets). Because they come from rival families, Romeo and Juliet are forbidden from being together and they suffer immensely because of this situation. The children see the world differently to their parents. Juliet says, "what's in a name? A rose by any other name would smell as sweet," to mean that names themselves should not have any power. It is the essence of a person that counts, and not their family name or allegiance. In other words, labels are limiting. This applies not only to families, but to gangs, nations and tribes as well.
It is good to be proud of our roots, but can loyalty to one group go too far? We are all human after all, even if we have different names.
It is proposed that families and nations should put aside their differences and look beyond their names.