What's in a Name????

[abaici]

Originally posted by lovelyivy84
Some of those names do have genuine African roots, true. But I don't think that most do. I've never read about a girl named Chaneney in Africa. Keisha is good, Imani is good, Nia is beautiful, but Takwan? or Keyshawn? or God help us, Tequila?

People made them up. They wanted something that "sounded" African without having to do the work to find out what African was.

I give these people noooo credit. Like the wonderfully PC holiday of Kwanzaa I think it's a fairly absurd attempt to recreate a missing African culture. There is no need for it. If you want to find out about Africa then go there or study the different African nations.

Making stuff up just makes us all look silly.

I didn't say it was African. It's something new...rooted not out of a need to connect with Africa. It's a part of African American culture.

ALL NAMES ARE MADE UP. My name is of Greek derivation. Personally, I think THAT looks silly. African American culture is just as valid as any other. Therefore, the made up names are just as valid. Now, naming your child after a car is not what I am defending. I am talking about the creative nature of our people. Again, I think we need to stop dismissing these types of names so easily. The names are just as valid as Mary or Steve. My point is that we care too much about what "other" people think of us. Let's embrace little Marquan and little Talisa.

But, that's me.