My musings ... differentiate yourself.

It has been a tradition of the Muslims to differentiate ourselves from other communities. One early example of this tradition was the choice of calling the faithful to prayers; companions recommended bells etc, but the human voice was favored over all recommendations. One of the reasons for favoring the human voice was that it distinguished the Muslims from the Christians, Jews, etc. This tradition was carried forward in distinguishing the Ahl-e-sunnah from other schools of thought in Islam.

But, this activity has its limits. It has never meant abandoning that which is dear to us. And so we cannot abandon our love for the Ahl-e-Bayt to distinguish ourselves from the Shia, and neither can we abandon our love for the Companions to distinguish ourselves from the Khwarij. Nor can we limit our expression of love in fear of what people might think of us, for is it truly love then? Manjun (mad) was called majnun for a reason.
Such love cannot and will not erode with the temporary winds of confusion.

Alas! I am but an illiterate. Thus, I cannot provide references and quote ulema. This is just my understanding, my inspiration, and the culture of awliya where I have sensed the aroma of  love for the Ahl-e-Bayt. A love that was explicit, clearly expressed with nothing implied. Imam Nasai was labelled a Shia for his love, but it deterred him not. Such love lead to his death, but isn't it said that the love of the Prophet and Ahl-e-Bayt will be tested by afflictions?

Love is friends with Courage. Fear and Public Opinion know nothing of Love. From the days of Karbala to this day it is Courage that has said: Ya Ali! And how befitting Love and Courage are of Imam Ali!

Habib Ali ... 3:20 (distinguishing from the Christians etc) and 5:13 onwards.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XIW42Ko1KgM&feature=related