Names make an impact on what we expect from something or someone.
Depending on the context of a situation, names can be viewed in different ways. Reputation tends to be tied up with names, especially in The Crucible, because a name is how society identifies an individual. Your name is a label that encompasses everything you've done publicly. Since only public actions will affect your reputation--and hence your name--people who are eager to inflate their stature often try to publicize every good deed while concealing incriminating events. This behavior is clearly evident in Salem; everyone from Abigail to Reverend Hale is concerned about defending their reputation. Proctor is even willing to die in order to keep his name in the town unblemished.
On the other hand, reputation doesn't mean much if you've only just met a person. After learning a stranger's name, people tend to make snap judgements about the person based on several factors.
Although less common today, in Biblical times names were often chosen because of their meaning. Abraham, for example, means "father of many;" a fitting name for the ancestor of innumerable people. Parents often try to name their children optimistically, like Aaron (shining light) or Bella (beautiful).
If someone named Oliver bullied you throughout middle school, you're probably going to have an unfavourable first impression of Olivers in the future. It might not even be a conscious reaction.
- Stereotypes or associations
Research shows that certain names can be and are discriminated against. Some names just carry negative connotations. For example, after 9/11, anyone with a slightly Middle-Eastern name was treated with suspicion. Again, this discrimination isn't always a conscious or hostile decision. Just think of the names Olga and Alyssa. Since my name is Newton, I've had plenty of prior experience with people who make (original and hilarious) jokes about how intelligent I must be. I'm sure I've had a completely different experience than, say, someone named Batman.
Very interesting post Sir Isaac Newton! It was quite humorous as well as didactic. I agree with everything you said about names. You can, however, change your name. Does that change your reputation as well?
ReplyDeleteI really like how you break down the different ways in which people's names can affect their reputations. It is really interesting that a bad experience with an Oliver in the past can lead to a subconscious reaction about Olivers in the future. I laughed at your sarcastic comment about "original and hilarious" jokes about your name. Nice job, Newton!
ReplyDeleteI liked how you listed and explained the factors that go into judgment of a name. The examples you gave were also great! hahaha
ReplyDeleteCan I just say that your blog title fits really well with the whole Salem witch trial thing?
ReplyDeleteAlso, yeah reputations mean a lot to people, but it's a bit extreme how much trouble Proctor went through to keep his name unblemished. Unless you remember that his name affects the reputation of his children, and so his death as a martyr gave them favorable reputations.