knowing they might be putting their kids at a disadvantage etc. I for one would not want people to start making judgments about my kids upon reading their names (on resumes, job applications, etc. etc..... yet many black people are so irresponsible as to name their kids after drinks, etc. and just in general make up crazy $hit... Why is that? Has anyone read Freakonomics by the way? It is interesting and sad.
2006-07-16 10:13:18 · 22 answers · asked by Mishy 1 in Social Science ➔ Sociology
In case anyone was wondering, my real name is not Mishy - it's Michelle. My parents came here from South Asia before we were born. Knowing we'd grow up here in the US, they gave all of us western first names, and a traditional middle and last name.
2006-07-16 10:29:52 · update #1
Regardless of the parents' race, I see a lot of kids' names that most people would consider highly unusual. This comes from the parents' selfishness and ego. They're not giving any thought as to what may serve their children's best interest.
2006-07-16 10:26:31 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
It's not about conforming. What idiot would name thier child after a beer? I think the question isn't posed at African names like Kwame or Vavah.
It's changing a nmae to the point to where no one can spell it right. Amazingly you have those that get mad when you misspell it. There should not be 15 different spellings of Corey, Jasmine, Michael or Roger.
There have been reports taht confirm giving your child a ghetto name like Infant, Listerine, Alazya, Bobo and any tricked up name will give that child a harder time at school and in finding jobs. They are already out the moment that resume shows up. Everyone will expect an uneducated, misbehaving and worthless person.
2006-07-17 11:30:06 · answer #2 · answered by skyvolt2000 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes, I did read Freakonomics, especially the part about the father who named his kids "Winner" and "Loser," or the two kids named Orangejello and Lemonjello. Or the girl named Temptress. It's unfortunate that they will be labelled this way, but keep in mind you can change your name.
To be honest, the first thing that popped into my head is "why don't more white people name their kids creative names?" I don't like boring average names either.
Mishy is a pretty name :)
2006-07-16 10:18:42 · answer #3 · answered by I Know Nuttin 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Well i must tell you that the subject matter that you are venturing into is very subjective and many would call your claims biased. I would say that what african americans"blacks" are just following culture, what you call "ghetto" they percieve as beautiful... Now you seem to follow conformist ideals and what society deams ok. I firmly believe that you should not live life according to what society says we must, i believe you should follow it against what you firmly believe. Now just so you know the statments you have made would infuriate many people, but i commened the slight ignorance that you have. I would look up the conformist model so you know what i mean and i would also learn to understand culture and diversity. I don't mean to bash or any of that.. you seem to want to understand african americans as well as yourself. And i believe you are well on your way you. I hope i helped
2006-07-16 13:13:59 · answer #4 · answered by CJimen 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I totally agree with you 100% it is sad. Sad because they think it is cool and that it is their way of being unique.
They fail to realize that everyone is inherently unique.
If you have noticed, ALL of the successful black American men and women, are intelligent, polite, well spoken upstanding citizens.
Not one of them got to where they are today by speaking in ghetto slang, wearing gang clothes, or sleeping the day away waiting for a hand out.
They went out and busted their butts and made something of themselves.
Prime example is Johnny Cochran, "May he rest in peace"
He cam from a poor family, he worked hard and put himself through college, and then returned a lot of what he made back to the community that raised him.
Each and everyone of the Black Americans has the potential to do this...
2006-07-16 12:03:16 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
All names should have a sentimental value,no matter where you are from.What does your name mean? Now this thing about the ghetto names really confuses me......Sounds like you have some bitterness against black people,don't be a (As the UK would say) BLOKE!
2006-07-16 10:23:32 · answer #6 · answered by blade74 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
They don't have "ghetto" names. Children are simply given those names because the parents refuse to hide their African heritage.They are proud and won't hide their heritage, so they give their children names to reflect their African heritage. It would be the same as an Italian-American parent naming their son Leonardo(ex. Leonardo DiCaprio) or an Indian-American name his or her child Amar(ex. Amar Gopal Bose, the founder of Bose Corporation).
2006-07-17 10:04:54 · answer #7 · answered by liker_of_minnesota 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Nobody should have to conform to western white standards. That's just giving in to racism. The real question ought to be "Why do people discriminate against such names?"
By calling these parents "irresponsible," you are being racist by saying that their black culture is something to be ashamed of. How terrible.
2006-07-16 11:43:54 · answer #8 · answered by rebeccajk42 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
they do it to follow tradition. they aren't 'ghetto' names as much as they are simply traditional. most families do not want to forget their heritage and a name holds a lot of meaning for some families. and they do not do it to put their children at a disadvantage, rather to give them something else to be proud of. a name is unique. and outside of their own home country, many of the names are very rare so therefore the name is something unique to them in their particular area.
2006-07-16 10:22:28 · answer #9 · answered by Mel K 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
That is kind of harsh isn't it? Its a free country and people should be able to name their own damn kids without being criticised for it.
Why do white people name their kids squirrely yuppified names?
Why do mexicans name their kids Paco, Chavo, and Peppe?
Why do chinese name their kids names like Ching, Ding, Ping, Bing, and Chong?
As long as we're stereotyping here, you might as well not leave anyone out.
2006-07-16 21:02:48 · answer #10 · answered by jack f 7 · 3⤊ 1⤋