I glanced at an article from the hard-hitting yahoo news describing the trend of unusual names given to children but it warned -- because any word uttered about parenting MUST necessarily and perhaps by law include a hint of criticism, doubt and/or disdain -- that this type of thing can go too far. The claim very, very loosely based on some random psychological research likely taken way out of context basically says all these "being different" shenanigans could cause narcissism in the coming generations.
In the good old days, folks were certain to follow the status quo and pull from the well worn and reliable bank of 18 socially acceptable names. If that set was already exhausted with the first 18 born to work the fields then parents would rely on reusing names of elders or refer to The Book of Saints if they were Catholic. Even if it was some oddball name like "Theodore" or "Spanky." At least people in town would know where it originated.
Nowadays, people and I mean common people, not just them movie stars think they and their kids are really something. I guess what is happening is the parents are trying to avoid having kids that have the same name as other kids. What the heck is this all about? As the article stated just a few short decades ago there was good odds you wouldn't be the only you in your class. And this was a good thing. Now, even if your name is James, one might have to go through six classrooms before finding repeats.
People had better stop thinking their kids are unique or special. Join the crowd, go with flow and whatever you do don't parent in a way that might imprint any anti-social tendency like self-esteem upon your offspring. Children must learn the same sense of self that has been passed down from the generations. It has worked beautifully for me, wouldn't you say?
2 comments:
As someone who has to write hall passes for six ladies named Shaniqua - who of course all spell it differently, I can tell you I long for the days of Jimmy and Susie.
Shanika
Shaniquwa
Shanikwa
Shaniqua
And two others I forgot. Yes they all pronounce it the same. Not to mention Jerita, Jalisa and Frankeesha. Or Zaveria, pronounced "Zavier". And yes, in case you are wondering they all get irate when you don't know how to spell it and don't know how to pronounce it. I always get a little giddy when John comes to get a hall pass - sadly he always shows up with JaRon and Laron. Don't forget the capital R cause he is a big angry dude. At least Desmond looks like the guy from lost so I never forget is name. Maneesha - can't forget her either.
How is John pronounced?
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