What's your Name?
By: Maria Reylan M. Garcia
After finding out that Wall-E's screening time was taken over by the Mummy, our whole 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 the 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 sees 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, everybody seems to have one. It is eminent and ever-present from a kindergarten's report card to an applicant's bio-data. Names are the first set of words we learn to write between those red and blue lines. Names are the reasons why we care to look back and turn around when a friend would holler. 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.
Our Muslim friends continue to be affected of this truth. The plots of terrorism were carried out by just the rebels of their community, and not their entire population. Most of the Islamic population lives in religious obedience and peaceful livelihood in the console of their areas. Pity them that they get judgmental stares from people who have the habit to generalize and fail to comprehend deeper. Yet, it cannot be denied that such practice is involuntary to some people because of perhaps trauma or a grudging soul. Right after Lisa stole her most beloved six year long boyfriend, she 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 reflex, 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.
I guess, although names may be grounds for a self fulfilling prophecy or a reflection of one's individuality, it is but more proper to get to know a person first before jumping into conclusions. Not just with names, but physical appearances as well. Typically, when we see someone walking in a slouching posture, untamed frisky hair, thick glasses and a sea of pimples; we would then associate that person as a nerd, geek, dork or someone who doesn't know the meaning of fun. Come on; try to give them a chance. Honestly, base from my experience, they could be the coolest set of people you'll ever meet. Same goes to sophisticated people wearing the most fashionable clothes, model-like strides, manes fresh from hair spas, looks and smells fabulous; we would then think of them as a snob, spoiled brat, braggart or someone who doesn't know how to reach out. Once again, take off those blindfolds and earplugs. Frankly, base from my experience, they could be the most down to earth and approachable people 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 hot boiling point is names don't give the wholeness of 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.
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