What's in a Name?

Your'e still a slave, look at how you behave...
Debating on what where why and when master gave.
KRS-1


Yesterday I saw Tavis Smiley giving black people a lecture on naming their children. First he cautioned that statistically, people with ethnic names were less likely to be called for interviews with an otherwise equal resume than those with "traditional" names. First of all, I don't know whose traditions he's referring to, and second, why are we encouraging generation after generation to look for jobs instead of building businesses? I never hear Jews publicly debate whether they should wear their ridiculous orthodox garb and sidelocks, and yet, those who choose to cling to that tradition don't seem to have any problem making money. Tavis didn't say that the name Abraham Goldstein would slow down a job applicant, because in all likelihood it wouldn't. He also didn't mention any Asian names. Quong Lee won't have any problem with a job, and even if he did, he may come from a family that values owning business over having jobs in someone else's business. Tavis, I have a name for you and anybody else that thinks we need to change who we are instead of being "about our business" and maintaining our integrity. It's Tom