“Zahara? Where’s that name from?”
“New York.”
“And your name?”
“It’s Arabic; my father is Muslim.”
“Oh, how… unusual!”
I’ve engaged in variations of this dialogue countless times throughout my life. Once I mention my name’s Arabic roots, I often receive a nod, as if the person suddenly grasps a deeper significance. The frequent question of where I’m from suggests a common assumption: a name that’s not Anglicized must indicate foreign origins. Yet, I’ve never traveled outside the U.S., despite my “ethnic” name.
When people learn that my father, raised in Brooklyn, converted to Islam two decades before I was born, it seems to click for them. Apparently, it couldn’t possibly be that my parents simply liked the name. Growing up with a “distinctive” name brings its own set of challenges, and for people of color, these difficulties are often magnified.
Pop Culture Reflections
Take, for instance, an episode from ABC’s black-ish, where the parents grapple with the implications of naming their child a distinctly “black” name. Dre is set on naming their son DeVante, but the family is skeptical. With siblings named Zoey, Junior, and Jack, they question how DeVante fits into the mix. Bow, familiar with having an unconventional name, worries that potential employers might overlook DeVante simply because of his name. This fear is echoed when Dre’s colleague admits he would think twice about flying with a pilot named DeVante Johnson.
Why is DeVante regarded with skepticism while names like Amerson are not? The answer lies in cultural perceptions. Names like Amerson, Brinlee, or Ryken are often seen as unique and trendy, but DeVante, Quayvon, or even Jamal are labeled as “ethnic” and, therefore, less desirable. While Ryken could be the next CEO, Quayvon might find himself stuck in a retail job, if he’s lucky enough to make it that far.
Discrimination and Bias
It’s difficult to pinpoint discrimination based solely on names in real time; hiring managers typically won’t admit that they bypassed a candidate like Le’Kendrick due to his name. However, research confirms these biases exist. Marianne Bertrand and Sendhil Mullainathan from the National Bureau of Economic Research conducted an experiment titled “Are Emily and Greg More Employable than Lakisha and Jamal?” They submitted resumes with either traditionally white or distinctly black names in Boston and Chicago. The findings were stark: candidates with white-sounding names were 50% more likely to get callbacks, even with equally strong resumes.
As someone with an ethnically unique name, I often wonder how much of an obstacle my name has been in securing jobs. When I applied for receptionist roles in Beverly Hills and West Hollywood, I experienced a surprising lack of interest relative to how many applications I submitted. I was well-qualified, yet I couldn’t help but wonder if employers preferred a name like “Zahara” over something more conventional like “Allison.” Research suggests they likely did.
Perceptions Shaped by Names
We rarely consider the biases tied to names, yet they shape perceptions. A name like Rain may evoke thoughts of “hippies,” while Zolten might signal eccentricity. However, names like Shaniqua often bring unfair stereotypes, painting individuals as “ghetto,” while Hakim is unjustly labeled a “thug.” These preconceived ideas, whether we acknowledge them or not, are deeply ingrained and often unfounded.
Parents should not have to worry about how their children’s unique names will affect their treatment in society. But we must acknowledge the biases that persist. Every LaShawn who struggles to find employment, despite having impressive qualifications, serves as a reminder that these issues are real and must be addressed.
Explore More
If you’re curious about names, consider exploring our baby name section for some inspiration. Also, if you’re looking to enhance fertility, check out the fertility booster for men, a great resource. For those considering family building options, this link provides valuable information on insemination.
Conclusion
In conclusion, our names carry weight. They reflect our identities and can influence the paths we take in life. It’s essential to recognize and challenge the biases that accompany them, paving the way for a more equitable future.
Keyphrase: Unique Names and Identity
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