ABC News 20/20 Report: White and Black Names

[shinerbock]

Yeah, I actually like the name Kendall for girls.

[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

[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 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.