"I have worked really hard to defy categorization, to break down a taxonomy whenever it comes my way"

Rick Moody is revealing his desire to be viewed as a specific, rather than being put into a box or labeled. He is stating that he has worked hard to avoid being categorized or labeled by others. He wants to be viewed as distinct and to be evaluated on his own merits, instead of being judged by the labels that others might try to place on him. He is stating that he has worked hard to break down any preconceived notions or expectations that individuals might have of him. He wants to be viewed as a private, and not be evaluated by the labels that others may attempt to place on him. He is saying that he has striven to defy categorization and to break down any taxonomy that may be imposed on him. He wishes to be viewed as a specific and to be judged on his own merits.