By: LaQuesha Williams As time pass us by, it seem as if parents, mostly African-American mothers are aiming to tarnish their children’s future. It’s true…an education, personality and skills all determine how a child will succeed in life. But another thing – which plays a role in their future – is their name. The one thing that follows any person from birth to death is their name; so it shouldn’t be a name that is too ethnic, or otherwise, ghetto. Shaniqua, Champagne, Charmaine and Taquisha are just a few of the names which are either too difficult for employers to pronounce or too ethnic to have the name representing a company. If some employers can’t pronounce a name on a resume, they won’t even give it a second look. One mother from Madame Noire, would agree. The woman named her daughter Qui’Ante’ (pronounced Kee-on-tay) when she gave birth to her at the age of 17, but she now regrets the name because she now knows her daughter will have a difficult time in the workforce – something she didn’t think about at time her child was born. To those of us who already have our ethnic names, the one thing we can do is change our name or prove society wrong. My name is LaQuesha, and that’s just the first part of it. My parents also regret naming me that, but they were young too. I love my name, but I hate the stereotypes that comes with it, and it makes it ten times harder (than a person with an “American” name) for me find work. I have a degree and working on a second one. In this matter, education doesn’t matter if they can’t pronounce the name. I’m stuck in between going by the name Lauren, which I’ve updated resumes and cover letters using that name. I just have to make that final step or fighting for what I want with the name that I love and have come accustomed to. It may be too late for me to adapt to a new name. To those of you who haven’t had kids yet, or even if you have and your kids are still young, do them a favor and Americanize their names. Remember, a first impression is everything and our names are a persons’ first impression and introduction to us. The thoughts and stereotypes synced with our name are likely to be false, but they’ll never know that. After all, would you hire a De’Aviaeyhiaunna? Imagine this 7-year old girl life in about 15 years.
