“A Roshanda by Any Other Name”
“The typical baby girl born in a black neighborhood in 1970 was given a name that was twice as common among blacks than whites. By 1980, she received a name that was 20 times more common among blacks.”
It’s typically thought that such stereotypical “black names” are a negative in the job market, and that bearers of such names aren’t as successful in life as those with “white names.” Apparently, the data doesn’t quite back this up. It’s true that a “deShawn” will do worse than a “John”, but the studies seem to show that the name isn’t the cause.
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May 7th, 2005 at 4:08 pm
Hmm. That is heartening news. I’ll have to remember that article whenever I think about my niece’s regrettable name. Apparently, though, maybe Jermajesty may be even more regrettable.
May 20th, 2005 at 11:44 am
That is really encouraging. I like my name and growing up in a predominatly white neighborhood I get discouraged at the fact people with names like Christina and Ashley will have a better chance in the proffesional world than myself just because of the culture behind our names. An autobiographical essay I had to do in the 11th grade uncovered that my name is an acronym and makes it even better to know my name is liked.
Roshanda B.