What's in A Name?

           
        
              Everyday, when we wake up, and start our lives, not a moment goes by where we don't use names. "Pass me the milk please", or  where's my coat?" we say. We are constantly using words coined as names to identify objects and keep everyone on the same page.

             When it comes to judging names we very often, subconsciously and consciously judge places based off of their names. A name has the power to emulate a certain aura. By judging names of places we decide whether we think that place is  trendy, casual, a little bit on the shady side, or worthy of our full trust. Companies purposely incorporate colors they think we tend to trust more into their names and logos.
         
               Now, the kind of names we are taught not to judge, at least openly, are the names of people. Whether it is someone else's name, or our own, we are forbidden from judging them. All for good reason, to be clear.  Last names are like a verbal family heirloom, passed on from one generation to the next. First names are usually the first piece of information one person learns about the other, they basically define us.


                We are also taught not to give ill spirited nicknames, or in some cases, nicknames at all, to others. By giving someone a nickname out loud, we are forcing them to be seen by the rest of the world, the way we see them, whether it be in a negative, positive, or awkward light, like that of Macon Dead the third's in Song of Solomon. 

              Freddie the janitor, aka the town crier is the provider of an awkward nickname for Macon Dead the third, "Milkman" ( Morrison 15) . With dead as a last name, it seemed like things couldn't get worse for the poor boy, but they did, and the name stuck. Macon the third, fortunately, is able to go on with his life, and build his own narrative, regardless as to what his name is.

             This can be seen as an inspiration, no matter what labels or nicknames people give us, it is important for us to recognize that we are still in control of our narrative and destiny. What we do with our lives, in other words our actions, speak louder than the words, or names that are given to us.