Name As Object Of Self-Identical Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Name As Object Of Self-Identical - Essay Example In addition, names are responsible for how we first perceive ourselves. Parents after naming their children interact with them using these names. Names describe a person’s present self and more often than not they help people in forming their own first impressions. Names, whether given by parents or individually chosen are key in developing one’s self-identity. People try to live up or run away from their names. The concept of self-identity, in recent years, has been the subject of many psychological, social and anthropology discussions (Perry, 2002, p4). This essay will analyze the influence a name or names have on the self-identity of a person, culture, organization or country. In anthropology, the term self-identity is usually in the context of ethnic identity. That is the perception of oneself, or self-sameness, in regard to others. Their joint characteristics of language and culture of the group form the group’s identity. Names and identities are peas in a pod. They are similar in nature as people confuse the two quite a lot. Names can refer to identities but they do not dictate an object’s or person’s self-identity. Names, unlike other identifying markers, are not subject to stereotyping. People rarely associate a name with a behavior or reputation; however, the name provides a platform from which a person judges his fellow human. A name, let us say â€Å"John†, quickly resonates with people. From this name, people are able to quickly know your background, compare you to other â€Å"Johns† they know, among other relevant information they have on the name â€Å"John†. These observations summarize the powerful effects a name has on others. After birth, parents spend plenty of time researching and considering the name they will give to their child (Perry, 2002, p5). Several factors are considered when choosing a child’s name as it prepares the child for the future. Parents will give strong names for their boys and feminine names for the boys. Majority of parents will choose names that are not prone to teasing or mocking by other children or people when they grow up.