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Why are certain Black names considered ghetto? (932 hits)

The following is my response to a post titled "What makes an African American name Ghetto?" on the Quora website.

First I have to acknowledge the simple fact that parents of any race have a right to name their children whatever they want to name them whether the next person likes it or not. In the case of Black people in America, I’m not sure, but I think it was during the 70s when we began to give our children African, Arabic and French names or a blend of names that were more unique to Black people. As best as I can recollect, the non-European names Black folks gave their kids during the 70s and 80s were (generally) easy to pronounce and remained palatable to the ear. My first cousin, for example, named her daughter ‘Lakeisha’ which struck me as different at the time (early 70s) but still nice.

I think I can safely say that up to and throughout the 60s, most (if not all) Black folks in the United States gave their children European names. Speaking as an older Black brother from the Florida-Georgia state line, I still remember names that had that down south country ring like ‘Willie Earl’ and ‘Hattie Mae’, but it was still all good and not much different than the ‘Billy Bob’ or ‘Peggy Sue’ thing the white folks had going on. LOL

Now speaking as an observer of the 90s to up to present-day style of naming Black children, I agree that some (not all) Black people tend to go overboard in their quest to be original. In other words, I acknowledge that certain names, even while reflecting “Black Uniqueness”, are somewhat obnoxious and manage to amuse or even turn-off other Black folks.

We, as Black people, can give our children names that reflect our ethnicity, culture and uniqueness that they can be proud of and without setting them up for tease and/or having a harder time getting a job because of the name on his or her resume. I support African, Afro-French, Hispanic or unique Black-oriented names 100%… but I do not believe in over-embellishing our kids’ names to the extent that they sound obnoxious and ridiculous.

Regardless of my personal opinion of certain Black naming styles, I still share a resentment of the way European names were forced on Black people during slavery. There is more history behind many of the names Black people give their children than many of us even know. Check out this video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gjiGBpdmk_...

Note that even Black comedians make fun of the name situation. Check these guys out:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AqK17ALyQi...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q6QU-i2owb...

In the meantime, I think ghetto mentality and the socio-economic conditions, music and entertainment that PROMOTE AND PERPETUATE this mentality is the bigger problem in our race and communities.

Peace
Posted By: Gene Amadi Jakande
Saturday, September 18th 2021 at 10:36AM
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Gene Amani Jalande, I enjoyed this blog information “Black Names.” Great Post.




Saturday, September 18th 2021 at 6:16PM
Dea. Ron Gray Sr.
Thanks Deacon Ron Gray. I'll share something with you. Gene Amadi Jakande is my pseudonym. My family already knows that I am seriously considering a legal name change to an African name because I have a problem with the 'slave name.' I will, however, retain the name 'Gene' which is the suffix of my legal middle name 'Eugene.' I have grown quite fond of the name 'Gene' as I have used it since the mid-70s, and I don't want my family and friends to have to make some abrupt transition just to address me. I think we BOTH know how Black folks roll, and I already know what all of MY people would say anyway... " I'm gonna call yo' butt what I've always called you and you BETTER answer me!" LMBO
Saturday, September 18th 2021 at 10:15PM
Gene Amadi Jakande

Black names considered ghetto?....... Quora website

SUBJECT

I still share a resentment of the way European names were forced on Black people during slavery.

I think I can safely say that up to and throughout the 60s, most (if not all) Black folks in the

United States gave their children European names.

I support African, Afro-French, Hispanic or unique Black-oriented names 100%…

I think ghetto mentality and the socio-economic conditions, music and entertainment that PROMOTE AND PERPETUATE this mentality is the bigger problem in our race and communities.

Peace
Posted By: Gene Amadi Jakande
Saturday, September 18th 2021 at 10:36AM
You can also click here to view all posts by this author...

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According to Webster...the pre-eminent longest American English dictionary

“quora” ....The word you've entered isn't in the dictionary.

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I admit that robert is a Slaver - paganChristian Name..defined in euroCENTRIC thought and Identity

I have had this name on birth certificate, passport, legal and credit agencies from birth....

...for legal reasons I still have this paganChristian slavery GHETTO name ....

...LIKE COLORED'blackBrownRedYellow' - this name-identity is Incorrect and Abhorrent to me...

**********************************************************************************************************************

During pre 60s America ALL African American Citizens either lived in slavery and then GHETTOS

....I am a septuagenarian soon to be octogenarian .... and ALL my Children(11) born in the 60s

to 2000s are named after the Great African/Asian Islaamic Name tradition and alphabet..

before euroPEON paganChristian - AfricanAsian interaction/meeting....all euro Names are Latin...

....My Life's friends and professional associates refer to me as AbuMohamed AbdulAzeez

....My Fellow Muslims refer and write to me in the AfricanAsian language of Arabic

*******************************************************************************************************************

paganCHristian euroCentricity gave AfricanAmericans slavery and GHETTO minds and "quora"

.....Generational Slavery and GHETTO; in my understanding, is a state of Mental - identity

.....euroCENTRIC Latin names refer to the History of Forced Generational Slavery and Ghettos...

GHETTO dwellers; 2021 have a fighting - murdering stance toward bad names....

.....Maybe this is why 2021 ghetto communities are unLawful - dangerous communities

*********************************************************************************************************************

Yes Amadi Jakande....NAMES are an important part of Civilization and Truth

.....Thanks for SUBJECT

Sunday, September 19th 2021 at 9:53AM
robert powell
From this day forward, with all due respect, I will honor your wish and call you 'Gene.’

Man, feel free to chime in anytime.

Sunday, September 19th 2021 at 3:23PM
Dea. Ron Gray Sr.
Names are very important, given names and pen names both. I think our given names help to determine our inborn nature, and pen names also influence our psyche. I have two pen names, Adam Fate because Steve Williams is such a common name, and I've also gotten attached to my my Chinese name, Wén Zhì.

Sunday, September 19th 2021 at 5:22PM
Steve Williams
What's up Robert, Deacon Ron and Steve?

FOR DEACON RON GRAY - Ain't no big thing about calling me 'Gene' or 'Gene Amadi Jakande' in full as you have done since I joined the website. Either way is cool, but I appreciate the concern. Like I said, the name is just a pseudonym for what I wish was my legal self-chosen name while making a decision to go through all the gyrations and hoops I will have to go through to make it so. Like most people, I am still considering all my school, business, military, medical and yes... marital records etc. before taking such a leap, but something in my soul feels the need to rebel against the wrong that history has done to us... and me in particular. The pseudonym is my statement.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

FOR STEVE WILLIAMS - Aside from the respect for our parent's choice in assigning our names, I actually like what you said as follows: "I think our given names help to determine our inborn nature, and pen names also influence our psyche." Although I have not revealed my full legal name on this site, I will say that the first name is of German origin. Ain't nothin' German about me in features or my gene pool LMAO... but thanks to slavery, I do have a small percentage of East English, Irish and Portuguese in my predominantly African mix. I respect my name from the standpoint of what it represents in meaning and the way my mother created a flow between the first-middle-last (legal) names (using my grandfather's name 'Eugene' for the middle name. However, I no longer see myself as the same individual I was in the other stages of my life. I remain the same in many ways, but much has also changed in terms of having the audacity to 'release the real me and speak my mind more freely without fear of agreement, disagreement or being accepted or rejected. I don't know everything and I have faults, flaws and weaknesses of my own as does everyone, but the difference I hold now is that I am no longer afraid of my strengths and refuse to stifle them or code-switch to connect or fit-in with others. Part of this process involves standing up to racism, history and the Black stereotypes some of us mistake as Black culture. I just ain't feelin' any of this stuff anymore, but I also know it doesn't make me any less Black than the next Black person. THIS is the type of awakening I've had.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
FOR ROBERT POWELL - I'm going to try and acknowledge some of your comments as best I can.

1. Quite honestly, I never gave the term 'Quora' itself much thought as it's just the name of a website, but since you brought it up, this is what I went back and found out:

Quora (/ˈkwɔːrə/) is a social question-and-answer website based in Mountain View, California, United States, and founded on June 25, 2009. The unofficial term 'Quora' is an abbreviated form where 'qu' stands for question and 'a' stands for answer which simply stands for Question or answer.'

2. Me, you and millions like us have legal names that do not represent our actual race or ethnicity, and that's not our fault nor is it our parent's fault because these names have been passed down like the "Toby Syndrome' since slavery. Like I told Steve above, my non-disclosed LEGAL first name is German. LOL This is just one of the many things raising my consciousness in terms of making me stop and re-think name as it relates to who I am NOW in spirit, mind and consciousness... and it ain't that German name. As a matter of fact, I wrote a short piece some months ago to promote the idea that Black folks in the United States should consider giving their children African first and surnames (or surnames at the least) at birth REGARDLESS of the European name of the father or mother. The only way to rid ourselves of these names... is to be daring enough to just DO it! In either case, I don't see your name, my name or any other brother or sister's name as abhorrent. It's just not what it probably would have been had it not been for slavery in this wonderful country we call America.

3. As a legal matter, slavery officially ended in the United States on Dec. 6, 1865, and I grew up in one of the low-income suburban neighborhoods of Jacksonville, FL from the late 50s to 1976. Therefore, I don't get your comment "During pre 60s America ALL African American Citizens either lived in slavery and then ghettos." Are you referring to 'economic slavery and oppression? If so, then I read you loud and clear. lol

4. I think it's great that you named all your children the Great African/Asian Islamic Name tradition and alphabet. Much respect!

5. You wrote "Generational Slavery and GHETTO; in my understanding, is a state of Mental - identity." I agree.

6. You wrote "GHETTO dwellers; 2021 have a fighting - murdering stance toward bad names....maybe this is why 2021 ghetto communities are unLawful - dangerous communities." Well... I'm not ready to paint EVERYONE in "The Hood" as someone with a fighting or murdering stance or someone who would give a Black child a jacked up name. Yes it is true that I don't like the type of mentality that ghetto environments breed, and I make no apology for this point of view... but I ALSO know that not everyone who lives in low-income areas has a ghetto mentality. There are some pretty smart, intelligent, hard-working, law-abiding people with dreams and goals caught up in that madness as well. They just haven't managed to get out yet, and some don't want to leave.
Monday, September 20th 2021 at 12:23AM
Gene Amadi Jakande
TEACH… Gene.


Monday, September 20th 2021 at 12:42AM
Dea. Ron Gray Sr.

Black names considered ghetto?....... Quora website

SUBJECT

I still share a resentment of the way European names were forced on Black people during slavery.

I think I can safely say that up to and throughout the 60s, most (if not all) Black folks in the

United States gave their children European names.

I support African, Afro-French, Hispanic or unique Black-oriented names 100%…

I think ghetto mentality and the socio-economic conditions, music and entertainment that PROMOTE AND PERPETUATE this mentality is the bigger problem in our race and communities.

Peace
Posted By: Gene Amadi Jakande
Saturday, September 18th 2021 at 10:36AM
You can also click here to view all posts by this author...

*******************************************************************************************************************

European names were forced on Black people during slavery....
European names were forced on AfricanAsian and Native people during Generational Genocide and Slavery

...Generational American Genocide and SLAVERY were the lowest InHumane periods in World History

*****************************************************************************************************************************

1. I paint all terms NOT in the English Webster dictionary as NOTHING in the English Language

“quora”...isn't in the dictionary...AND to me, an African Asian Muslim "quora" is offensive....



6. I paint all Members of the MAGA trump$$ette community as Racistly Ignorant COLORED'whiteSupremists'

6b. I paint all GHETTO dwellers like you, Mr. Jakande have.....

"...I think ghetto mentality and the socio-economic conditions, music and entertainment that PROMOTE
AND PERPETUATE this mentality is the bigger problem in our race and communities..."

I think ghetto mentality and the socio-economic conditions, music and entertainment that PROMOTE AND PERPETUATE this mentality; LIKE......WAP, prision, gay, buckwheat hair, male booty showing is the Biggest
InHumane living standard in the world 2021....

...the deaCON of chiraqGHETTO can TEACH BIA, this African American Family Professional Site....of the daily

World Leading---Rape, Terror and Murder his COLORED'black' community SUBTRACTS from HUMANITY.....

Monday, September 20th 2021 at 8:20AM
robert powell
YOUR HIJACKING WORDS: ...the deaCON of chiraqGHETTO can TEACH BIA, this African American Family Professional Site....of the daily

MY REPLY: Why do you go off subject talking about me, when there is no mention of my name in the body of this blog?

In Gene's reply, I believe he brought to the surface some very brilliant comments in his blog and he comments, that is the reason why I said: TEACH… Gene.

Don't get off topic Robert because Gene brought home some very strong points about the names given to Black children.

ROBERTPOWELL: Get back on topic because this post is a very informative blog, don't bring that here, THANK YOU.


Monday, September 20th 2021 at 3:09PM
Dea. Ron Gray Sr.
Well Deacon Ron Gray... I'm glad I decided to check in as I was busy all day Monday, and all I can say is WOW! That WOW is meant on multiple levels and was said for multiple reasons. I'll stop on that note except to add 'thank you.' I will continue to address you as 'Deacon', but inside I'm calling you 'Reverend.' :)
Tuesday, September 21st 2021 at 4:13AM
Gene Amadi Jakande
Thank You Gene, as we continue our Journey in this life. Brother Gene, continue to TEACH and yes, take that time to check back to your post, that sounds like a good idea.


Tuesday, September 21st 2021 at 11:53AM
Dea. Ron Gray Sr.

Black names considered ghetto?....... Quora website

SUBJECT

I still share a resentment of the way European names were forced on Black people during slavery.

I think I can safely say that up to and throughout the 60s, most (if not all) Black folks in the

United States gave their children European names.

I support African, Afro-French, Hispanic or unique Black-oriented names 100%…

I think ghetto mentality and the socio-economic conditions, music and entertainment that PROMOTE AND PERPETUATE this mentality is the bigger problem in our race and communities.

Peace
Posted By: Gene Amadi Jakande
Saturday, September 18th 2021 at 10:36AM
You can also click here to view all posts by this author...

*******************************************************************************************************************

"..Thanks Deacon Ron Gray. I'll share something with you. Gene Amadi Jakande is my pseudonym..LMBO.."

Saturday, September 18th 2021 at 10:15PM
Gene Amadi Jakande

****************************************************************************************************************************

...Webster states...

A pseudonym is a fictitious name assumed by an individual to conceal his or her identity.

LMBO stands for “laughing my butt off.”

This psuedo "biaMember"..no NAME-no Picture... and laughing like a psuedo-Clown; wants to WHAT?

..Deceive BIA, African American Family Members

..Continue deaCON russianBOT division that USA intelligence 2015, stated directed at AfricanAmerican sites

..Disrespect BIA, African American Professionals with NONSENSE

....deaCON = reverend = slaves = psuedo people = slaveryNames.....in 1776--->2021

Do STOP the stereotypical 'black' male Misconception and Irresponsibility at BIA

....BIA, Genesis Mrs. María de la Soledad Teresa O'Brien was NO clown and is America's greatest Journalist...


Tuesday, September 21st 2021 at 6:58PM
robert powell
Robert, you really need to explore those links, you may learn a lot more than you know now about Why are certain Black names considered ghetto, you might enjoy yourself.




Tuesday, September 21st 2021 at 8:27PM
Dea. Ron Gray Sr.

".....Why are certain Black names considered ghetto, you might enjoy yourself...."

Tuesday, September 21st 2021 at 8:27PM
Deacon Ron Gray

*****************************************************************************************************************************

ALL COLORED'black' by COLORED'whiteSupremacy' are GHETTO.....christianized by paganChristian Inhumanity



Wednesday, September 22nd 2021 at 8:28AM
robert powell
Hold up Deacon Ron... I got this! You know what Robert... I have tried to the best of my ability to be patient, tactful and indulgent with a mentality and attitude that I actually DON'T LIKE. I did it because I didn't really want to show other people this side of myself, but now I don't give a damn. You make all these crazy expressions like GHETTOdwellers, COLORED'black, COLORED'whiteSupremacy and all types of freakin' NONSENSE. No one in Black America enve REFERS to themselves as 'colored' anymore, so come into the 21st century! You want to argue about the name of a damn website as if it's something that impacts your life. If you've got a PROBLEM with a term like 'Quora'... then take it up with the 'Quora' website because I don't want to hear anymore of your crap about Quora or anything else for that matter. I respect the muslim faith and religion, but I NOT have time or respect for the type of mentality you display. That said... stay the hell off my posts, and I intend to make sure you do electronically! This was only a sample of how I can get down, and trust me... you don't WANT full force! You just THINK you do.

My apologies to the other members of this website.
Wednesday, September 22nd 2021 at 10:55AM
Gene Amadi Jakande
This is truly an educational moment...

Wednesday, September 22nd 2021 at 11:10AM
Dea. Ron Gray Sr.
Sorry about that Deacon. I try to be nice, but sometimes 'nice' just doesn't get a point across.
Wednesday, September 22nd 2021 at 11:30AM
Gene Amadi Jakande
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