ABC News 20/20 Report: White and Black Names

[DSTCHAOS]

Originally Posted by shinerbock

Yeah, I actually like the name Kendall for girls.

I'm talking about a black man named Kendell (I know quite a few--pronounced Ken-dell (like Dell computers)) since I wasn't introducing gender as a factor.

[shinerbock]

I don't think thats terrible either. I wouldnt name my son that, but it wouldnt factor into any decision I made regarding employment

[Taualumna]

Originally Posted by shinerbock

What I was saying about my family was that some Atlanta minorities, despite being well educated and intelligent, don't see anything wrong with continuing to act and dress along the lines of popular black culture..thus my father has come across several qualified applicants who he simply can't hire because they don't come across in a professional way. That being said, he has several black employees who are very intelligent and professional.

I see plenty of white kids dressed like homeys too. I have seen prep school kids of all races butcher their school uniforms as soon as they're off campus when classes end for the day.

[DSTCHAOS]

Originally Posted by shinerbock

I don't think thats terrible either. I wouldnt name my son that, but it wouldnt factor into any decision I made regarding employment

Okay...Kendell is one of the good names that you think your clients won't be like "whoops, here comes a potentially incompetent black guy who might scare the bejeezus outta me."

What about KayShawn? Where do we draw the line and should the line be drawn when judging others and influencing their life chances? That's what that research and this topic is really about.

[shinerbock]

If I had a guy named Kayshaun and one named Mike, and both were equally capable and I thought there may be a problem with a client if we hired Kayshaun, it may factor in, sure.

[DSTCHAOS]

Originally Posted by Taualumna

I see plenty of white kids dressed like homeys too.

Yeah because they are victims of Eminem and the MTV generation.

But when they decide to finally listen to their parents' or guardians' advice and clean up, people will forget all about their former dresscode and call it a "passing phase on the way to success." Whereas there are millions of people in this country who are frowned upon whether they are wearing a tailormade suit or baggy jeans. Whether their names are Shaquana or Stephanie.

How many more things can we add to the list of discriminatory factors that will disproportionately impact minority groups? That's also what this topic is about.

[DSTCHAOS]

Originally Posted by shinerbock

If I had a guy named Kayshaun and one named Mike, and both were equally capable and I thought there may be a problem with a client if we hired Kayshaun, it may factor in, sure.

Cool.

In cases of different qualifications, just know that there are plenty of employers who will hire the less qualified Mike, especially if Mike is white, and offer him extensive training. Mike is better PR so the training is a worthwhile investment.

[shinerbock]

And there are also companies who hire/admit lesser qualified minorities. As for the white ghetto kids, I abhore them.

[DSTCHAOS]

Originally Posted by shinerbock

And there are also companies who hire/admit lesser qualified minorities.

Maybe...maybe not.