What's in a Name?

Yesterday I heard a right-wing talk-show host, quoting several studies that showed that resumes submitted online for prospective employment, were 17% more likely to be downloaded if the applicant's name was 'white-sounding' like Emily, Betty, Anne or Pamela, rather than 'black-sounding' like Ebony, Tamika, Shawana or Monique. Similarly, male names like Earl, Robert or David, were more likely to be downloaded, rather than Tyrone, Leroy, Willie or Donte.

This host claimed he was concerned about the opportunities for Black children when their parents gave them names that decreased their chances for future gainful employment. He further said, that Black parents were doing their children a disservice, by continuing to give them names that were likely to be labeled and identified as belonging to a Black applicant, and then used to discriminate against them.

Of course I knew his concern was disingenuous, because historically, most of his political opinions have been racially insensitive and consistently anti-Black. And he never missed an opportunity to highlight and criticize some supposed flaw in the character and morals of Black folk. Also, he never discussed why there was systemic prejudice against black-sounding names, and how the racists who were guilty of such biases (probably like himself), should be dealt with.

Black parents have the right, like white parents, to choose names that they like and want to give to their children. If the studies are accurate, then it provides further proof that racism is still a major factor and impediment in America, and has not 'all but disappeared', as some black and white propagandists like Shelby Steele and others, continue to constantly and lyingly, insist.

Studies like these are constant reminders that racism is indeed, alive and well, and the playing fields in American society, are far from being level.

I say, don't censor the name, rather, severely sanction the racists who discriminate based on the names and the supposed race of the applicants.