We all know the proper way to introduce ourselves whether it's when conducting business or being cordial in a relaxed setting. Recently, I was talking to a group and a hot topic came up: atypical names.
Initially the conversation made me think of a not to long ago, now gone cold, hot topic; Raven-Symonè. This childhood television show star, now talk show host, had lots to say on a segment of talk show "The View" when speaking on segment "Are You Judged by Your Name". Mainly stating that some names she herself would not entertain for possible employment under her; then later she added she herself has likely been overlooked or possibly discriminated against of not for her name then some other non-changing quality like her skin or size.
Going back to the early 2000s the media placed a spotlight on names being literally viewed as "black" or "white" and how this perception, on a resume, became the reality of that potential employer. The results were clear; indicating that even résumés denoted with "black" names including more experience were passed over for "white" named resumes with lesser experience.
Comments on the research was popular. For some the take away was simply choose a culture neutral name. For others it was choose ethnic names and ensure appropriate milestones through education and experiences take place.
As the inital conversation unfolded about names my group decided on the top 5 most remembered :
- La--a (La-dash-a)
- Abcde (Ab-sa-duh)
- Dmaggélic (Da-ma-ja-leak)
- Bles'sed
- How'rianna
For me I think: I love my name; but it has been mine my whole life! But when I think of parents giving their children names to create uniqueness or as a label for a positive self-fulfilling prophecy, I'm torn. Luckily for me I don't have children yet- but what a huge responsibility; after growing a life to name it for greatness and help it to flourish in this world. (Brushes off brow)
A reference that's old as time and relates to names was presented in a classic by Shakespeare.
’Tis but thy name that is my enemy:
Thou art thyself, though not a Montague,
What’s Montague? It is not hand nor foot,
Nor arm nor face. O be some other name
belonging to a man!
What’s in a name? That which we call a rose,
By any other word would smell as sweet.'
Makes me remember that a name can be just that- a name; we don't even give it to ourselves. A name is who we are called but not who we are and not who we are destined to be. So go be great!
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