What's in a Name?
In our day to day lives, we use names to identify not only ourselves but also everything around us.
For example, my name is Dhatri, which means "mother earth" in Sanskrit. My parents chose it for that reason, as well as the fact that it matches my brother's name: Dhruv. By standards, my name is my primary identification factor, just like anyone else's is for them. However, this leads me to ask the question: how powerful is a name?
Some names are more powerful than others. For example, the name "spoon" for a utensil with a curved end doesn't strike a great deal of seriousness with me, but the name "Not Doctor Street" is extremely important to the society of "Song of Solomon". After all, this name represents retaliation by a culturally oppressed group that leaves a large cultural impact. The first black doctor is still remembered, and the oppressed are able to make their mark on colloquial naming.
To answer my first question, names are extremely powerful. Think about it; a six-letter word structures my identity while another word structures yours. Our traits, achievements, actions, etc. are all piled into fitting under this word. In a sense, all names are just simplified definitions for whatever they describe. However, rather than having a set denotation, they are given the freedom to vary along the course of identity.
For example, my name is Dhatri, which means "mother earth" in Sanskrit. My parents chose it for that reason, as well as the fact that it matches my brother's name: Dhruv. By standards, my name is my primary identification factor, just like anyone else's is for them. However, this leads me to ask the question: how powerful is a name?
"...the avenue...had always been and would always be known as Mains Avenue and not Doctor Street." - Toni MorrisonPerhaps, the power doesn't only lie within the name, but also within the people who are deciding on a name. In "Song of Solomon", the black community members wanted "Mains Avenue" to be called "Doctor Street" in order to remember the first black doctor who lived on that street. It was a symbol of cultural and historical significance for them. However, the legislators were able to overrule this and establish a formal name. If people of higher power are able to squash cultural importance so easily, is a name powerful at all?
Some names are more powerful than others. For example, the name "spoon" for a utensil with a curved end doesn't strike a great deal of seriousness with me, but the name "Not Doctor Street" is extremely important to the society of "Song of Solomon". After all, this name represents retaliation by a culturally oppressed group that leaves a large cultural impact. The first black doctor is still remembered, and the oppressed are able to make their mark on colloquial naming.
To answer my first question, names are extremely powerful. Think about it; a six-letter word structures my identity while another word structures yours. Our traits, achievements, actions, etc. are all piled into fitting under this word. In a sense, all names are just simplified definitions for whatever they describe. However, rather than having a set denotation, they are given the freedom to vary along the course of identity.
I love your point about those who decide names--we will talk about it tomorrow!!
ReplyDeleteThank you:)
DeleteDhatri, this is such a great post. I completely agree with you about what you said about our names; they essentially define us and we give them the power that they hold. I think that according to a person, different names can have varying impacts and power because people have preferences and interests, but in the end, all of them have significance.
ReplyDeleteDhatri, I LOVE your comment regarding the idea of names, The power that each has truly is impressive, and I love how you brought that tot he forefront. In my opinion, I think the identity that a name holds not only gives us some sort of standard but also gives us something to refer back to as the backbone of our individuality.
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