For years I've been taught about names. As I search for names in the family tree, I've pondered about some of them, where they came from and why they were used. Names are important. They tell someone who you are, where you came from, occupations your ancestors may have had, etc. They give you an identification as to who you are. When you are named after someone, which many people are, you are supposed to do your best, be your best, so you don't tarnish the name of the person for which you've been named. I've been told my whole life, and I believe, that it's an HONOR and very special to be named after someone.
My first name came from my mother and her sister, and my middle names is after my dad. My oldest son was named after his uncle and father. My oldest daughter's middle name is the feminine version of her great uncle's middle name. My youngest daughter has my first name for her middle name. My youngest son was named after my dad and two good friends.
Most people, places, streets and highways, monuments and buildings, places of education such as elementary, middle and high schools, as well as colleges and universities, restaurants, arena's and stadiums, lakes, islands, cities, states, countries, ships, cars, companies, food, teams, and we can go on and on, are named for people. Even plants, flowers, birds, animals, etc. are named after people. And most people consider this an honor. To have something named after you OR have your name on something was something to celebrate.
Look around your town, observe merchandise, food, clothing and other items you purchase, check out the restaurants you patronize. More often than not, they have someone's name on it. Is this an honor? How did it become racist to have your name on something? I don't think I'm the only one who has always believed you were being honored by having your name on something.
Now I wonder, will they change the name of the United States of America? Will Washington be demoted? Will they change the name of Columbus, Ohio? What will happen to Chef Boyardee? Betty Crocker? Baby Ruth? Denny's? Papa John's or Murphy's? William and Mary? What about the Paul McCartney rose? Are they offended? Has anyone really been offended as their names have been used for almost everything we see or buy? Streets we live on or towns we live in? I have to wonder, and I think not. Next time you are out and about, or just in your kitchen or driving, see how many things you can find which has been named after someone. Anyone. I'm sure you will find dozens of things. You can't help but see things every time you use something, eat something, go somewhere. Names are everywhere. To start changing them would be ludicrous, at best.
