YOUNG VOICE
What's your name?
After finding out that Wall-E's screening time was taken over by the Mummy, our afternoon's plan of unwinding in the comforts of the cinema had ceased. Gone was the childish apprehension of seeing some rusty love-struck robot cleaning up some mountains of trash. My friends and I, with heavy hearts, ended up scanning through the plastic-free books scattered in all corners of a bookstore. This is when I came across skimming a book that talks about people's impression of names. Yes, the book was quite subjective and opinionated but it was certainly entertaining. A few minutes later, the sales lady had to constantly tell off some college sophomores surrounding a hundred twenty five pesos book who are currently the source of giggling nuisance. It was quite astonishing to know that most people view an Andre to be a sophisticated, talented and rich playboy. It was surprising to discover that a lot see a Rose Anne to be a balance of little miss sunshine and a daring tomboy. It was startling to find out that many perceive a Ramon to be a bald, short and wealthy businessman. Too bad my name isn't too common.
Names are the first set of words we learn to write between red and blue lines. Names make us look back and turn around when a friend calls us. But because of the significance it has on each individual, because it mirrors the personalities, attached are the inevitable stereotypes and impressions. We cannot keep other people from repeating names, who knows how many Janes and Bens there are in the world? Due to this reality, it can not be avoided but to relate the traits of one Jane to another, to compare the qualities of one Ben to another. I find it mind-boggling that names were originally given to promote uniqueness and individuality but in the end became a luring host to prejudice and labeling.
The stigma on our Moslem brothers and sisters is one example. They suffer from the terrorism spwaned by rebels of their community. Most of the Islamic population lives in religious obedience and peaceful livelihood in the console of their areas.
Right after Lisa stole her most beloved boyfriend of six years, Jane begins to see every Lisa in the world as a cheat and a meddler. He starts perceiving every Mr. Cruz as a merciless autocrat after receiving a failing grade from a college professor of the same name.
Yes, it is in man's nature to label. But, we should not compromise the rights of other people along the way. The other Lisa or Mr. Cruz would find it unfair that certain people hate them for no reason.
It is better to get to know a person first before jumping into conclusions based from one's name and even physical appearance. Typically, when we see someone walking with a slouching posture, untamed frisky hair, thick glasses and a sea of pimples, we associate that person as a nerd or someone who doesn't have fun. Who knows, he or she could be the coolest person you'll ever know. That person who is so fashion conscious who loves to go to the spa whom we think as a snob may be the most down-to-earth person you'll ever meet.
Names certainly give the impression of who you are. You can either live up to that impression or denounce it. But the point is, names don't define your personality. Even Grumpy of Snow White's seven dwarves didn't stay irritable and cranky happily ever after.
Yes, it all starts with "What's your name?"
But, let us not just end it there.
(For comments and reactions please send an email to reylangarcia@gmail.com or SMS to 09186363090. View my blog at http://www.theyoungvoice.blogspot.com)