Only the Names Have Changed

Recently a close relative of mines made a decision to change her first name. Although people change their names all the time it was the reason why she changed it that disturbed me. You see her name given at birth is what one would consider to be more "ethnic" (if there is such a thing). Basically, she's black and her first name pretty much distinguishes her as a black female just by hearing or reading the name. This was actually her second name change, because she just got married a few years back. Therefore, she no longer used her maiden name. That last name, which is the same as mines is also usually considered a black last name as well. Now there is absolutely nothing wrong with having a black sounding name. However, many think and studies actually do show that people with black sounding names have a harder time receiving call backs when submitting resumes and job applications.

So my relative made the decision to change her name to a more "White" sounding name in an effort to better her chances of obtaining a job. Now the logic behind her decision does make some sense, but it still disturbed me nonetheless. The main reason is that yes we already know that being black we have some what of a dis-advantage when it comes to getting jobs in Corporate America. Therefore, we have to work hard to attempt to match the skills, education and qualifications of our white counterparts. However, what if the very first item on the top of your resume automatically eliminated you from being a potential candidate for the job? Now I'm not saying it happens all the time but believe it or not some employers are actually discriminating against black applicants prior to even seeing them face to face.

Now some of you out there may be reading and saying No Way! No employer would discriminate against an applicant especially based on just their name. Well lucky for me I have evidence to prove that some companies do just that. In a CBS news article there was an actual study done to test this theory. In the study [real] comparable resumes with equal skills, education, and qualifications were utilized. However, the names on the resumes were changed so that they represented "black sounding" names (i.e. Tisha, Shaniqua, Laquita and Jamal) and "white sounding" names (i.e. Emily, Beth, Molly and Matthew). Nine names were selected to represent each category: black women, white women, black men and white men. Last names common to the racial group were also assigned. Four resumes were typically submitted for each job opening, drawn from a reservoir of 160. Nearly 5,000 applications were submitted to over 1,300 help-wanted ads in the Boston Globe and Chicago Tribune from mid-2001 to mid-2002. No single employer was sent two identical resumes, and the names on the resumes were randomly assigned, so applicants with black- and white-sounding names applied for the same set of jobs with the same set of resumes. So what do you think the results were? Keep reading you may or may not be shocked by what you read.

"The authors found black-sounding names were 50 percent less likely to get a callback than white-sounding names with comparable resumes. White names got about one callback per 10 resumes; black names got one per 15. Carries and Kristens had call-back rates of more than 13 percent, but Aisha, Keisha and Tamika got 2.2 percent, 3.8 percent and 5.4 percent, respectively. And having a higher quality resume, featuring more skills and experience, made a white-sounding name 30 percent more likely to elicit a callback, but only 9 percent more likely for black-sounding names. Interviews were requested for 10.1 percent of applicants with white-sounding names and only 6.7 percent of those with black-sounding names. Even employers who specified "equal opportunity employer" showed bias, leading Mullainathan to suggest companies serious about diversity must take steps to confront even unconscious biases - for instance, by not looking at names when first evaluating a resume."

So there you have it concrete evidence that a name can in fact prevent you from even getting a call back. Now I don't know about your employment status, but I recently found myself in the market for a new job. All I must say is thank God that I still have my current job. Because in today's economy the job market is very competitive. Although there are a number of jobs hiring, it is obvious they are more precise when selecting candidates for positions. In my opinion, employers are no longer willing to take a chance on applicants that aren't highly qualified for the open position. Where as in the past employers may have contacted someone that showed some promise but didn't necessarily have all the qualifications. Trust me I have an e-mail box full of denial letters from companies that say something like "we have chosen to go with an applicant that better suits the qualifications and skills associated with the position." Now in an attempt to compete effectively for a better job I have chosen to continue my education and I am even willing to take an entry level position to acquire more skills and experience. However, to think that even with more experience and education that my last name (which as I mentioned is traditionally a "black name") may be the what determines if I get my dream job is absolutely ridiculous.

Prior to going to finishing college I did fear certain things on my resume stood out as an identifying factor of my race. Ironically, my name wasn't one of them. However, I was more focused on the school I graduated from. I went to 3 different High Schools before graduating (Don't worry I wasn't a bad kid or anything like that. LoL). The first High School was of mixed races maybe 60% black 40% white/other. The second High School was all white maybe 20 blacks total. Finally, I graduated from a school that was all black only white people were the few teachers that braved the drive to the hood. So, I was always fearing that potential employers would see that school listed on the resume and automatically assume that I was black and discard my resume. But my name was just my name and never did I think it could prevent me from receiving a job.

Now I don't have any direct evidence that I personally have ever been passed over for a job. But what if I could pin point my name as a real hindrance to obtaining employment? Would changing my name be the answer? Well I thought about this and to be honest even if it guaranteed me a 6-figure salary job I couldn't and wouldn't do it. When I even thought about the idea it reminded me of something. Now I know this is extreme but it's the first thing that popped into my head. Blacks changing their names to obtain jobs equivalent to our white counterparts just reminds me of slavery. As we know slaves were forced to change their names to that of their masters and what their masters preferred to call them. The best known example of this is the story of Kunta Kinte in the epic movie "Roots." One of the most memorable moments in the movie was when the Master was whipping Kunta and telling him to say his name was Toby and not Kunta. Yet Kunta would not budge, even after being whipped repeatedly he knew his name, and regardless of what he wouldn't denounce it. But when you look at the us as blacks changing our names in order to gain favorable employment from corporations (masters) isn't it an eerie similarity? And by the way you don't have to work at UPS to be an Under Paid Slave. LOL.

So, I've taken a stand like Kunta and vowed to keep my name as is. However, the next question is this. What about when you have kids? Will you purposely name them so their names don't sound "too black?" Well in all honesty when it was time to name my son this was a subject that came up between his mom and I. Basically to keep it real we said we don't want to name him something "ghetto." So, with that in mind we eventually decided to name him after me. I didn't want him to be a Jr. but I also didn't want to give him a stereotypical black or "ghetto" name. Therefore, naming him after me was a happy medium.

I'm in no way saying that there is anything wrong with having a black sounding or even what some would consider a "ghetto" name. Each parent has a choice to name their kids whatever they want. Also, I don't believe your name has anything to do with who you are or what you will grow up to be. However, there are some names that some of you parents are truly out of line for giving to your kids. I'm sure if you're keeping it real you will admit that you know someone (or maybe it's you) with a ghetto ass name.

Now all of the names are very unique, some very pretty, some cute in theory, others are confusing, but all are definitely identifiable as black names. For example, you can be watching the News on TV not even paying attention really, but you overhear that there was a shooting and the reporter says "eye witness Deshante Jones gives his reaction." Okay wait... You can't tell me that upon hearing that you're not going to automatically know this is about to be a black person. Then again, you may as well say a ghetto black person because you know the media is going the find the most ignorant person they can find to be on TV and tell the story. If you know Deshante you may get a shout out after he describes what he witnessed. LoL. Here's another example to further illustrate my point. Say you find yourself at a College graduation. This can even be an Ivy League School like Harvard University. But say you've sat and watched one hundred or so white students cross the stage to receive their diploma and then the speaker says this name. "Laquita Simmons." Again... You can't tell me that you won't automatically assume the person is a black female. Not to mention your biggest clue before she even crosses the stage is the bombardment of screaming, yelling, and shouting "You Go Girl!!," and "That's my baby!!" from her family. LoL.

In closing, as bothersome as it is that some are changing their names to obtain employment it's even more bothersome that they have to. Unfortunately, as much as we don't want to admit it discrimination still exists in our society. This doesn't just apply to black people. I'm sure there are plenty of other races that endure the same decision about changing their names and what to name their children. But for those of you job searching I wish you all luck as well. I will leave you with a short list of ghetto names that I found interesting and broke down by categories. If you see your name or the name of someone you know here please don't take offense. But to really keep it real I'm not the one to blame. However, these are pretty timid I'm quite sure you all know of some truly Ghetto Names. So, I welcome all to comment back with their best ghetto names they've heard or perhaps have. Also, I've included some familiar names you've probably heard before and their African meanings.

Ghetto Names by Category

Alcoholic Drinks - Chardonay, Alize, Tekeyla, Martini, Champagne

Cars-Lexus, Mercedes, Porshe

Countries- India, Chyna

Continents - Asia, Afrika

Jewels - Diamond, Krystal, Ruby
Music - Lyric, Melody, Harmony

Misc. -Miracle, Blessing, Destiny, Princess, Unique, Precious, Queen, Kandi,

African Names/Meanings

Aisha - Life, She lives

Ayana - Pretty flower

Badu - One who is strong, powerful

Beyonce - Beyond others

Jabari - Brave

Jamal - Elegance

Jamar - Handsome

Jamila - Graceful, Pretty

Jelani - Mighty

Keisha - Favourite

Keyara - Beautiful River

Kima - Love

Kisha - Pretty

Kya - Diamond in the Sky

Lateefa - Gentle, Pleasant

Latoya - Praised Woman

Malika - Queen, Princess

Monifa - I am Lucky

Monisha - Solitary Life

Myeisha - One who is Loved greatly

Nakeisha - Her Life

Nia - Purpose

Nichelle - Victorious Maiden

Raashida, Rasheeda, - Righteous

Raquell - Precious

Rasheed - Wise Adviser

Ranyshia - Pretty Little Angel

Raniesha - Princess

Shaquille - Pretty

Takiyah - Pious, righteous

Talisha - Damsel arise

Tamika - People

Tanisha - Born on Monday

Tavon - Nature

Tevin - Son of Kevin

--C-Recks--

I Now Denounce You Man and Black!

For the brothas and sistas reading this, you'll feel me. To those of you from other races, this may be a little insight into the inner workings of how some black people feel. Sit back, relax, and try to keep an open mind.

Is anyone else concerned about the amount of backtracking Barack Obama is having to do. Well, maybe backtracking is not a strong enough word. Denouncing is what the media is calling it. I choose to say its more white washing. Since Barack became a strong candidate for President, around February, left and right it seems like Barack is having to somewhere apologize for or justify his connection to something. At this rate, Barack will have to denounce the fact that he's a black man by election day. (Hence the title of this blog).

It all started with Jeremiah Wright, his controversial pastor. Now, I have to admit that I'd heard of Trinity United Church of Christ long before this controversy. I knew a few individuals that were members there, but I myself have never attended. Personally I knew those particular individuals had a very benign opinion of Jesus Christ, and I could only imagine what kind of church they would be willing to attend. So it was no surprise when I was listening to the Sean Hannity show this past November or December, and he played some audio of the pastor's sermons. I listened to the audio and thought to myself, hmmm, this isn't good. Not what the pastor said. (Hell as black people we might not necessarily agree with Jeremiah Wright on everything, but as a black man who's lived on the Earth 50 plus years, we definitely respect his right to say it). Instead I was thinking, this isn't good for Barack.

Now things didn't immediately blow up about the issue. Instead, the Jeremiah Wright fiasco was brought up once Barack seemed to be making some headway against Ms. Hillary. I believe the best way to describe it is as a firestorm! Now prior to this firestorm erupting, Barack's camp was more or less silent on the issue. Well, no longer was that a possibility. Barack became very vocal on the issue. First he and wife officially withdrew as members of Trinity. The controversy culminated in him giving what was hailed as Obama's speech on race.

Obama came through the whole fiasco relatively unscathed. Sure, it cost him decisive defeats in Pennsylvania, and West Virginia, but at that point, those defeats were marginal at best. However, the most important thing that we discovered is that when the going gets tough, Barack will distance himself from the tough. Now that may have been his toughest test, but it certainly wouldn't be his last.

At a fundraiser in July, Obama had fellow Chicagoan Bernie Mack speak. During a brief routine, Bernie Mack told a joke that caused some nervous laughter, and even more booing and calls for Mack to leave the stage in lieu of the person they were there to honor in Barack. Mack's joke spoke of explaining the difference between a hypothetical question and a realistic question to his nephew. To demonstrate, he tells the nephew to go ask his mother if she would make love to the mailman for $50,000. The mother says she would make love to the mailman and anybody else for $50,000. He tells the nephew to go ask his sister if she would make love with her neighbor for $50,000. She says she would make love with the neighbor and anybody else for $50,000. So he tells the nephew: “Hypothetically speaking, we should have $100,000. But realistically speaking we live with two hoes,” Bernie Mac said.

Now I don't know about you, but I found the joke to be funny. Call it a crazy sense of humor, but I heard Bernie's voice in my head, and couldn't stop laughing. Well I guess Barack didn't find it as funny. Upon taking the stage, Barack told the crowd that unity was essential in the Democratic Party. He said it should not be divided by race, religion, region, class or gender. "That means, by the way, Bernie, you got to clean up your act. This is a family affair.” I would consider that denouncement number two.

Well you should know where I'm going next. What's more offensive than black comedy? Of course, rap music. Now Nas has a new album out. One of its hottest tracks is inspired by the potential presidency of Barack Obama. "Black President" samples Tupac's quote in Wonder if Heaven got a ghetto. "And though it seems heaven sent, we ain't ready to have a black president".

Barack has been mentioned in a few other rap songs. Common, Will I am of the Black Eyed Peas, and Jay-Z have all mentioned Barack in various songs. Without much fanfare. But again a firestorm, this time on a smaller scale, erupted when what seemed like a freestyle by Ludacris hit the Internet.

Well, in what's become typical Barack fashion, his camp quickly moved to distance himself from the slightest appearance of approval of such behavior. A spokesperson for the politician says, "As Barack Obama has said many, many times in the past, rap lyrics today too often perpetuate misogyny, materialism and degrading images that he doesn't want his daughters or any children exposed to. This song is not only outrageously offensive to Senator Clinton, Reverend Jackson, Senator McCain and President Bush, it is offensive to all of us who are trying to raise our children with the values we hold dear. While Ludacris is a talented individual, he should be ashamed of these lyrics."

As a true fan of hip-hop, Luda snapped. Were his lyrics patently offensive, to Senator Clinton, Jesse Jackson, Senator McCain and President Bush, perhaps. Was I offended? No. Hell, Luda said some of the things that I've been wanting to say in this very same blog. (Don't worry Jesse, I haven't forgotten about you. Another day, another time). Should you be offended by hearing Ludacris' rhyme? Well to each his own, but the problem I have with denouncement number three is that Barack seems to neglect the fact that a large segment of his support is coming from the youth. In advance of the Pennsylvania primary it is stated that 70% of the 218,923 new registered voters were between the ages of 18 and 35.

http://thehiphopcosign.wordpress.com/2008/04/24/pennsylvania-youth-voter-registration-increased-over-70-in-2008-national-hip-hop-team-vote-summit-in-philadelphia-makes-an-impact/

With so many individuals falling within that 18-35 demographic, you have no choice but to label them the Hip-hop generation. So why would Barack more or less spit in the eyes of some of his staunchest supporters? A better question is, are we gonna let him get away with it? Unfortunately the answer is "Hell Yeah"! And he knows that. The prospect of having a black president is so overwhelming in the eyes of most of us that Barack could announce that slavery would be back in effect the minute he took office, and I'd bet you that at least 25% of black people would still vote for him. They'd say "oh he's just using reverse psychology to trick white people into voting for him". (Let's keep it real, any black person who would still vote for him at that point probably has no clue of what reverse psychology is).

With all this denouncing that Barack has been doing, let me do some denouncing of my own. (On his behalf of course). As unofficial spokesman for the Barack Obama for President campaign, I would like to denounce the following:




I denounce Lil Wayne - Sometimes you display skill. But please stop referring to yourself as the greatest. (That is unless you're saying you're the greatest from Louisiana. That would make you akin to a gold medalist at the special Olympics).






I denounce the people who are still driving around with spinning hubcaps - It was never an acceptable fashion statement. However, 3 years after the apex of the spinning rim revolution, you just look ridiculous. As my cousin LaTressa would say "Stop The Madness"!






I denounce anyone remotely associated with the movie Snakes on a Plane - From Samuel L. Jackson down to the guy who brought coffee to the director. If it were possible, I'd like to revoke your citizenships. The worst movie ever made. Period!

I denounce cut buddies who catch feelings - If two people hook up on a sexual level, sometimes that's all it is. I know it sounds harsh, but if you desire more than that, establish it up front. Allow the other person to decide if they want to go there with you. Anything after that is patently unfair.

I've only run for one political office. I ran for vice-president of the student body when I was in the eighth grade. I Lost! I like to believe that I only lost by a few votes. (I hope it wasn't a landslide. Even worse, I hope that myself and my brother weren't the only two votes that I received. You did vote for me right Cor?). That being said, I comprehend the concept of pandering. I also understand the more important concept of staying true to one's self. Barack, keep it real man. I know that when you heard Jeremiah Wright preach, a portion of what the man said resonated within you. When you heard Bernie Mack's joke, you probably laughed yourself. And being that you are a fan of Ludacris', you yourself bobbed your head to the beat when you heard his freestyle. Stop being a politician. Understand that what people appreciate about you is that you're not the average politician. Keep it real. I know you want to win the election. But as Cee-lo said "I'd rather struggle on my feet than to live on my knees". Words to live by man. Because if you do lose, remember, you have to come back to the hood. Wouldn't you like our respect when you get there?


-DrizaDre

P.S. In case you do win. You need to begin preparing white people for the fact that niggas are gonna act a fool. The local championship celebration is gonna look like a birthday party at Chuck E. Cheese by comparison. Just a word of advice. You already know the "first black president" is gonna get blamed for everything. Let white people know that this one is beyond your ability to control. Either that or just blame it on Bush. He technically will still be the president. lol