I come from a culture where a baby's name carries a wealth of meaning. The process of naming a child is sacred and an honor. Such an honor can be given to a well-respected member of the family or a really close friend - who would then ponder and perhaps even pray about the name for the child. The process could involve dreams, visions and spiritual visitations. Frequently, the name of a beloved relative or historical figure is given to the child in the hope that they will pattern themselves and or their lives after the individual. Many times it will be given in the native language of the child's ancestry for the perpetuation of pride in their culture. A child's name holds all the dreams, hopes, love and blessings the parents hold and want to give to their baby.
Which is why, I think, that the following story has been lingering with me.
http://www.lehighvalleylive.com/warren-county/index.ssf?/base/news-0/122923112231930.xml&coll=3
Heath and Deborah Campbell have named their children after elements of nazism. Adolf Hitler Campbell (3), JoyceLynn Aryan Nation Campbell (nearly 2), and Honszlynn Hinler Jeannie Campbell (almost 1).
I struggle to understand how a parent could place such a negative burden on a child's shoulders. Naming your child after such a controversial person could only bring down such strong feelings regarding the original name bearer onto the namesake. A parent would be purposefully handicapping their child from birth.
I know some parents name their children after historical figures in the hope that their child will emulate them. But the Campbells claim that they are not racist -- so why name them after nazism?
They plan to enroll their children in school. I don't believe things have changed so much from when I was in school that kids will not exploit an opportunity to tease someone. The Campbells have set their children up as schoolyard targets.
And lastly, my greatest concern is that they have doomed their children to miserable lives. It would take a very strong and noble spirit to overcome such a difficult childhood without becoming bitter and hateful. By the time the children are old enough to understand why they are persecuted and to make the necessary changes, they may have experienced enough to warp them into the type of people they are named for.
Because of my background, this whole situation stumps me. I cannot fathom a person laying a title of hatred on a child as a legacy. Especially when it seems as if the parents are not committed to the ideal they are perpetuating with their children's names.
In any case, I hope that their family will weather the storm well.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
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1 comments:
That is just the craziest thing I've ever read. I too ask WHY!???
Those poor keiki!
I'm so glad I found your blog address on myspace. You are a great writer. Don't neglect this much longer I love reading your thoughts.
Love you and miss you nui!!!!
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