There was a short article in the Daily News about a little girl who took a tumble down an 8 story window and was just fine. The true irony ? Her name was Destiny.
I think from a writer's perspective names are important. When I pick names for characters at times they are truly random ( Joshua and Rebecca) and sometimes they are intentional created to go together ( Sam and Adeline). Because we choose our character's identity we often pick their name to go with that identity. Or sometimes we do the opposite. We choose a name that is so disassociated with the characters identity. Either way names are important when it comes to writing, and sometimes giving a character a name is the hardest thing to do.
I can't get through this entry without pointing out Juliet who said, "That which we call a rose By any other name would smell as sweet So Romeo would, were he not Romeo call'd, Retain that dear perfection which he owes without that title. Romeo, doff thy name, And for that name which is no part of thee Take all myself."
We put to much of an ownership on surnames, I think. I won't lie of course I am victim to this too. When I was a teenager my father wanted me to change my last name to Lawrence but, I refused because I did not want to associate with him, even though Lawrence is a relatively common name. I knew that changing my name wouldn't change who I am yet, it was something I feared.
I often wonder how married women deal with this ordeal. Essentially,America society or American tradition rather asks them to change an identity they have come to know. But, I wonder; does the identity exist to begin with ? Is their anything carried with a last name. In my relationship it has been pretty obvious my, (here goes) significant other has never taken my last name, legally but all my children have my last name. I think she is afraid she will fall into some spherical cult of female domesticity if she does but, it is something that I've always found interesting. Of course this whole paragraph is irrelevant because of, well . . . hyphens.
Here is something else about names, what is with the negative connotation associated with terms of endearment. I will be completely honest, no matter how bad it makes me look and admit to using them, especially with women. But, I do not do it to put women "in their place" as someone explained to me I do it because it's my way of showing I have a close relationship with them. I do call my children "baby" and I think that comes from the fact that my mother used that term all the time, with everyone from her lover to her dog. When I was a newlywed I called my wife,"honey" and I will occasionally call the co-workers who I am friendly with the same thing. Does this mean I have an issue with their names ? No, I think it's a loving gesture.
When I get to make names for people who's identity I don't know I tend to want to make their names some what creative. I am of course talking about my children. I always give my mother credit for naming as many kids as she did with two names (most of which semi-worked together). The 6 of my children who are not adopted I got way with giving two names were Christopher Robin and Dahlia Beth. I was set on naming Christopher Robin , Josiah but, his mother didn't like that. I also wanted to name one of the babies Joel but once again I was vetoed.
While I have no intention of having anymore children if I did I have developed a new love of the name Clemintine (I actually really like the film Eternal Sunshine on A Spotless Mind) and more recently the name Harley.
Names
Author: Joel /
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20 comments:
Ahh, that's my name I'm glad you like it.
You should have been able to name your kids I mean you are their dad. ♥
I love you JB, but I get offeneded if one of my co-workers or even my boss calls me "honey" or "sweetheart", I think it's only for a SO.
I personally think it's an honor to take a loved ones last name, even if it means people assume you're jewish !
I wish more men weren't afraid to use TOA. ♥♥♥♥♥♥
I never realized how smart you were until I read this post, you are very insightful !
I meant to say Terms of Enderament, sorry
This entry felt very clinical, almost like you're trying to prove something without being opinionated. I think you should stick to being personable.
It's soooo sweet that you call your kids baby, you are such a sweet man ! ! ♥ !!!♥
As a grown-man, I can see how you wouldn't understand terms or endearments. I hope you don't think it's alright to call a woman by something other than her name. I tell all the men in my life if the want to use a term of endearment use Ma'am.
I would love to have UR last name, ♥
I love the Dahlia Beth by the way. I bet Clementine-Harley would be pretty !
Just so you know the HR department was instructed to reconstitute our employee agreement and using a "unconsented Term Of Enderarment" is considered sexual harassment.
You always think of the best names for your kids and characters, I can't believe she didn't take your last name.
Joel Jr or JJ would have been cute for a girl or boy ♥
It's nice to call kids by ToE it makes them feel special, Girlfriends like it too.
♥I love that movie too, I wish more men would read Shakespeare♥
who doesn't love the name Josiah, it's so pretty and Josiah Baker would be a kick-ass name.
It's not American society, it's really just a tradition originally invoked to claim property . . . so take what you will from that
Harley-- I know
Pink_Rose - Tell me about it but,if anything she has more of a right.
Chyna C-- As I will most likely rewrite plenty of times I was referring to people who were my friends before they were my co-workers.
Andy-- Harlawights is Jewish ? I'm glad you think that way
Laurie -- I don't.
JB Fan-- Im not a stoopid az i luk
Linda- You're fired, lol
Lovesong89 -- I try to be
Starlite -- I don't. As I have said it is something that ocassionally slips out when I am with people who I have a familal relationship with.
Jana -- Incidently enough, I'm not fond my last name. That's why the company is called Cobalt
Cinderella-- Thank you. Hmmm . . . I don't know
Julie - You're fired too. I'm just kidding. I don't actually use them at work and I would never do it to someone if they did not consent or got offended.
Alexa-- I know, right ?
Layla-- Yes, someone else agrees with me, Joel can be a unisex name (I know you are reading this)
Tanya Levi-- If you say so
Swettie92- You mean admit to reading it. I love Kate Winslet,I think she is very pretty and attractive. I see her as the perfect female beauty ideal. Damn, Sam Mendes
Heidi - I know, I totally agree.
Ariana -Trust me I know full and well I don't own anyone and never want to. Have responsibility ? yes. Own ? No
Thank you all for the comments but,if you keep up with those hearts my blog will look like my teenage daughters myspace page
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