Of Names

There is great power in names.

Language shapes our perception of reality — each person experiences their own subjective reality rather than the world the way it actually is. No one is truly an objective observer of the world; every experience we’ve had shapes our perception, and part of these experiences is language and names. Names, whether they are for people, animals, objects etc., are essentially arbitrary symbols that stand in for the object in reality. “Table,” by itself without the corresponding object is essentially meaningless; such as would be the case if you had never seen a table and did not know what it was. But, let’s say someone had seen a table but did not know that it was called “table.” In their reality, it might be something like “a flat, rectangular plane supported by four legs.” But give them the name for it, that that’s a “table,” and they have a paradigm shift. “Table” replaces the “a flat plane supported by four legs.” Helpful and powerful, as “table” is broader and covers more than just a flat surface supported by four legs; it could have three, it could have five; it could be square or circular. But because of our unique points of view, we will each have a different image in our head when we hear “table.” For myself, the table I associate with that word is a large table of the rectangular four legged kind, old and made of wood. It’s the table I remember from my childhood. Someone else may think of a circular one made of metal. Or a long lunch table from elementary school.

Naming something colors it based our perceptions. If someone introduces a topic by saying something like, “This might sound weird, but...” it will sound weird, regardless of whether it would have before. Same thing if someone says, “Let me introduce you to my weird friends.” Companies market products also use this to create sometimes misleading impressions, such as the product Vitaminwater. Because of vitamin is associated with preconceptions of things that are good for us, it leads consumers to believe that it’s healthy to drink (http://www.time.com/time/business/article/0,8599,2007106,00.html). These preformed associations of names, of course, extends to our own names as well. My name could completely decide an interaction with someone if they hear it before knowing anything else about me, as their mind will reference others with that same name. And if the only references are negative, that could be problematic. Examples like these make me think that Shakespeare’s famous line from Romeo & Juliet does not hold true: “A rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” If the flower were called stinkweed, chances are we wouldn’t be as fond of it’s odor.

Naming, then, is also a form of control. Aside from the examples above, to name something, is in a way, to own it. Parents name their children. Inventors name their inventions. Friends may give each other nicknames and couples may do the same. Each name will create new associations; trademarks. And like trademarks belonging to a company, there are names we are and are not “allowed” to use according to social constructs. Things that a couple might call each other and consider to be cute and terms of endearment can be revolting if said by a stranger.
Not only is our view of the outside world influenced by names, but also our view of ourselves. If we have an idea of how we are in our head, but then someone contracts it, the view of ourselves can change if our core isn’t solid enough. For instance, I’m thin. But someone could be justified in calling me scrawny. Different connotations ride alongside each of these words. If I allow “scrawny” to replace “thin” in my head, my self-image can completely change. This example is negative, but naming works both ways. The only thing that is consistent is that words and names have power and that we should be aware of how we use them, for both our own benefit and for others.