Around the 1970's, Afro Americans started giving their children names that differed dramatically from trypical

Question

Christian names such and John and Willam and Mary and Donna. Instead it was names like Keyshawn and LaToya. Why do you think this happened? I'm not upset by it but it seems to me thats its kind of a way of saying I don't want to be included in your society if I'm reading it correctly. When I hear these names on tv I shake my head. What do you think?

Answer 1

I have no idea.....It doesn't make any sense, especially when Latoya is making fun of LaKeisha b/c she named her baby Antwon.

Answer 2

I think you're right: it was a symbolic rejection of oppression. Name my kids after people who enslaved my great-grandparents ? No thanks.

From what I've learned, before the 1970s there was more emphasis on being low-key and not making waves. You had to shield yourself from the racists in town to survive. By the 1970s civil rights were becoming a fact, not a theory, and people felt freer to make such a noticeable demonstration of independence, and also pride in African culture (some African names got used too). People could feel that the pendulum was at long last swinging the other way.

Today there are many more people of all races in America. Society keeps creeping slowly toward real inclusion of all people. Being proud to be black was a HUGE improvement over being made ashamed. I think and hope that the next step is working toward the day when nobody feels they have to make this or any other strong rejection of American society. The pendulum will settle down in the middle, where race isn't an issue. KRS-One said, "I'm not going to spend my life being a color." At this point in American history I hope it isn't necessary, and I hope we all stop acting as if it is necessary.

My personal opinion on names is: made-up names sound ignorant no matter what the color (and I've seen some beauts), and I think it's inconsiderate to name any kid a name they are always going to have to pronounce and spell for people.

Answer 3

It was about that time that Afro Americans went back to their roots, mainly because of the mini-series "Roots." They wanted to give their children names that reflected their heritage. It is no different than a descendent of any other culture wanting to name a child something that reflects that culture, even though they are now American. Roberto for a child of Italian descent instead of Robert. Francois instead of Frank. I don't see it as a way to set them apart from society; just a way to honor their roots and their ancestors.

Answer 4

I think our names probably sounded weird to them at first! What about Asian, Spanish, Arabic and all the other different races? Should we all have only Christian names if we aren't Christian? Besides who cares? Why would you shake your head to the TV? They are only names, you can name your kids Mary and John..

Answer 5

it's about culture. No matter what religion you have you still have multicultural societies.

John, william, mary, donna for example; sounds too white skinned typical american. why should people throw away their culture just because "Americans" doesn't like it? believe it or not, there are poeple who still keep their colorful culture.

Typical American however, doesn't seem to have an american culture from the rest of the world's view. O.o

Answer 6

because alot of them are muslims and they are taking names from that religion and feel they are muslims. I think its sad but each person has picked what they want to do. so they have picked these names and carry on this is not my cup of tea but i can't say its wrong if i dont' like it. christians names are great and what i would say but that is my opinion only i agree with you but nothing i can do.

Answer 7

There names form there Land and family many years ago.

Answer 8

i have white freinds that have the name lavo,or devon,or keyshon,and a white girl named ladonna,its no big deal.