Sunday, July 31, 2011

What's in a name??

Ok guys,

 I know it has been a long time since I posted.  I've been kinda pre occupied with golf as I get the chance to play at Pebble Beach in less than a month.  After some thought, and since I have time while my gumbo cooks, I thought about something I'd like to share my thoughts about.  And remember as you read this, These are Just One Man's Thoughts.

That being said, let's talk about names.  Now, as I am a pediatric ED doc, I get the opportunity to take care of children of all ages and all ethnic groups.  This is what I, absolutely, LOVE doing.  Through my career I've personally seen all types of names as well as heard "urban legends" of other children's names (i.e. Lemongelo, Orangelo, Shithead [pronounced Sha-theed].  Now, if you are a parent who named your child something "creative", "unique", or "trendy" I do not intend to offend you.

My first question, is how many of you have met, read about, or seen a news story on people with the name of; "diamond", "neveah", "Thomasina", etc....? If so, what was the story about???

Next question, how many presidents, kings, and CEO of Forbes 500 companies share these names??
I bet, NONE.

In other words, does the name you are given pre determine where you will end up??

I hate to say it, but I believe so.  (Just one man's thoughts, remember).

By naming your child a "unique" name (for lack of a better term), you are putting a restriction on their potential.  Now with everything, there are exceptions to this rule.  I'm sure some day there may be a billionaire or President named Diamond Cinnamon Mc Bride (or something to that extent) some day, but I feel it's a long time coming.  When turning in a job application, college application or undergoing some other attempt at success, by having a "unique" name, your application/idea will likely get put into the "I dont think so" pile.  I know it seems a bit unfair that you will be pre judged based on your given name, but welcome  to the USA!!!!  Pre judgements are made all the time and , unfortunately, affect our chances at success.

I'd submit to soon to be parents that you give your child the best chance at success.  That is the least you can do for your child who, for the first several years of their life, rely on you to get them in a position to succeed. This extends far beyond your child's name (diet, education, keeping an open mind), but something so simple can have PROFOUND affects on your child's future.  I'm not saying that we cannot be creative when naming our kids, but think before you scribble down the first unique thought that comes into your mind.  You may say, "What about movie stars?? They name their kids the craziest of names!".  This is true, however, they have already allowed  their children chances of success via their own success and fortune already established;  So unless you are already a millionaire, president or CEO of a company, or an heir to a fortune, think at least a few minutes before you decide on  a name.

When thinking of the name Alize...the most common phrase that comes to mind is : "Next on the mainstage, please welcome Alize"  or " Next on Jerry Springer, please welcome Alize, who's baby daddy has been sleeping with her roomate's, brother's cousin who is a hermaphrodite tranny with 88 body piercings and 33 tattoos."  Ok, ok, that's a little extreme, but you get the point.

When thinking of the name David, Jason, Lilian, Christoper, etc...The possibilities are endless.

Please parents, give your children the best chance at succeeding in a country that clearly has lines drawn to separate the upper from the middle from the lower class.  There is no reason your family should not have as good of a chance to reach the upper class as others. That is what's great about this country.

Don't place a limit on them from the first day of their life.  There are enough challenges out there.

And please remember, These are just One Man's thoughts.

Peace and Love

Anthony