Thursday 17 July 2008

Names Reveal Our Inner Thoughts and Beliefs

So what is in a name? Trivially a name should be nothing more than a cluster of letters for physical tagging and identity. But the reality is that names mean different things to different people. Some people plug names for the kids from fancy magazines and novels. Others give their kids names that are of sentimental value. While some parents just want sexy names that is not only a mouthful but rhythmic both in pronunciation and spelling.

Mothers know much about names they give to their children than anybody else. Take for example this psychiatrist who was conducting a group therapy session with four young mothers and their small children. Her preliminary assessment directed her to a common thread of individual obsession with something among the mothers which manifested itself in the names they gave their respective kids.

On entering the room she declared to all the four mothers "you all have obsessions."

To the first mother, she said, "You are obsessed with eating. You've even named your daughter Candy."

She then turned to the second Mom. "Your obsession is with money. Again, it manifests itself in your child's name, Penny."

She turns to the third Mom. "Your obsession is alcohol. This too manifests itself in your child's name, Brandy."

At this point, the fourth mother gets up, takes her little boy by the hand and whispers, "Come on, Dick, we're leaving."

3 comments:

Taabu said...

Ciku,
Naughty girl. Maybe some mothers purchase their babies from collapsing Uchumi at discounted price. BTW the forth mum couldn't wait to be lecturerd on what she liked. So I guess you did the explantion for her and confirmed my fears.

Proud Kikuyu Woman said...

Taabu, what was your mama's obsession? Or was it your idea?

Taabu said...

PKW,
You cheeky one, how the hell would I know my mama's obession. But come to think of it, I need to ask her and will update you soon. She must have seen the shida in me in advance, how prophetic?

Taabu on Taboo