RE: Unusual first or given names of children whohavebeenphysically abused or neglected. -Reply

["Barnes" <barnes@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I really have to comment on this thread.  The ASFA specifically states that
it is not intended to prescribe one method of parenting.  Who determines
what's "unusual"?  What is unusual to one may not be to another and for one
to designate that a particular name is unusual is to "prescribe a particular
method of parenting" by dictating certain names that are "normal" and others
are not.

This is prejudice, plain and simple.

One could just as likely conclude that the caseworker has a bias toward
certain names and is therefore more likely to substantiate a case when a
child has an unusual (in her opinion) name.

The practice of other cultures naming children after banks and railroads can
be easily understood.  Other cultures have typically chosen not to interfere
with the reproductive process like the rest of us do.  Consequently, they
have many more children.  For them, names are not as critical as they would
be for a person that chose to have only 1 or 2 children.

A family with 5 or more children is just looking for enough names to go
around, whether it comes from a bank, diaper bag, soap opera, Bible, news
article...

However, a family with only 1 or 2 children will spend more time choosing a
name and weighing it's significance.


Cheryl Barnes