> Whenever I tell civilians that I’m a web designer I get the sense that they place me in that other category
It's hurtful when institutions, ideals and identities that you've aligned yourself with turn rotten, and sully you by implication. I went through a patch of never telling anyone I once worked at BBC, even though it's a great institution and I loved my work and colleagues there, because who would leave you alone with their kids!? Recently I've stopped saying I'm a "computer" scientist/techie except to other techies. Random strangers at parties just assume you're up to something nefarious. A writer maybe, who happens to be a computer guy. I get most warmth and connection from identifying as a "hacker". Most people then immediately raise the ethical question of whose "side" I am on. The good guys, of course. I feel for web designers, because I don't see much good left about the modern "web" to stand up for.