Draft Archives: “What’s in a name?”
Identity. Let’s say your name is Bob Smith. If for whatever reason you couldn’t be called Bob Smith tomorrow, would you care? How much of our internal identity is tied to our name? If you’re not “Bob Smith,” who are you?
Your mind works in interesting ways…
I suppose I’d feel “vulnerable” in the same way I feel when I go out somewhere and forget my cell phone. It’s a part of who I am. But it’s not as if I’d have emotional breakdowns.
That said, I can’t imagine a situation in which this would occur.
Matt
14 Apr 08 at 10:50 pm
I have known people who picked new names. They didn’t, for what ever reason, relate to their name. It didn’t fit how they saw themselves. And there is the issue of women taking a husband’s last name. It used to be more extream though. In the old days a woman would often be called “Mrs. Husband first and last name.” My mother in law corresponded with a woman who still uses that form of address on her return address. Today many women go though a lot of thought about if they should or should not change their last name on getting married.
As for me I have to admit that my name is tied somewhat to my identity. It is becoming less so over time I think. But still changing it would be painful and something I would really rather not do.
Mr. T
15 Apr 08 at 12:30 pm
In the old days a woman would often be called “Mrs. Husband first and last name.”
That’s still more common than I can understand, and not just with elderly people. My mom gets mail for “Mrs. [My Dad's Name]” often, which I’ve always thought was demeaning in a way. In some way it’s almost seen as a formality, I think.
Matt
15 Apr 08 at 1:50 pm
Worst part? I’d have to change my domain name. And everybody would have to learn a new email address…
andrew
15 Apr 08 at 2:11 pm
I don’t think I would really care too much. If I had to change my name I would; however, I would like to choose it, but really I feel that I am who I am regardless of a title.
As for the whole marriage-name-change thing, I’ve def. decided to change my last name.
Darn, I guess I am going to need a new e-mail address too…
Andrew, if the “worst” part is changing your domain I think you’d survive the name change.
Katherine
16 Apr 08 at 6:35 am