Unbelievable, right?

[princessmom29]

I'm appalled that ANY reputable business would base their hiring decisions on a woman's first name, especially a relatively common one like Takila. A quick web search turned up several perfectly respectable Takilas, including Sgt. Takila Addison who was on Oprah. (http://www.oprah.com/oprahshow/Sgt-Takila-Addison-Explains-Military-Life-For-Women)

It's a good thing the US Military isn't as blatantly biased as your former employer! (And Takila's probably better off without that job anyway.)

So you honestly think a fortune 500 company is NOT gonig to consider the face someone presents to the public when hiring their execs. and management? Peronal appearance, how someo dresses, and yes, thier name all play a role in wether the comany wants them as the "public face" of thier comany. Wether we like it or not you don't see very many unattractive sloppily dressed fortune 500 execs, or ones with names that refer to alcohol, racial slurs, ect. It may not be right, but it is the way the world works.

 

[Jennasis]

I'm appalled that ANY reputable business would base their hiring decisions on a woman's first name, especially a relatively common one like Takila. A quick web search turned up several perfectly respectable Takilas, including Sgt. Takila Addison who was on Oprah. (http://www.oprah.com/oprahshow/Sgt-Takila-Addison-Explains-Military-Life-For-Women)

It's a good thing the US Military isn't as blatantly biased as your former employer! (And Takila's probably better off without that job anyway.)

I don't know about "discriminating" against the name, but depending on how "out there" the name is, an application or resume may well end up in the round-file thinking it's just a joke.

 

[Magpie]

It is what it is. The position required a lot of first contact with potential customers so that first impression mattered. If the person was named Bud Light or Miller High Life they'd have the same problem I'm sure.

If you are going to name your kid something like Princess Sparkle or something else extremely odd it very well might cause them issues down the road job wise depending on what career they want to pursue.

Since when does a "public" person have to be addressed by their real first name? MOST of the Asian people I have contact with in the working world use a "Westernized" first name, that's not actually their real name.

So, Aadideva becomes Adam, so that the folks he's dealing with in customer service can pronounce his name more easily. Big deal. It's his people skills that count, not his name. Heck, my husband had a "radio name" when he was an announcer, because his boss said his real name was too French for an English station.

And both "Bud" and "Miller" are perfectly normal (if old-fashioned) names for Western boys, so no, I don't expect they'd have any trouble at all. "Bud" was ranked 461st in popularity in 1930.

 

[FireDancer]

Since when does a "public" person have to be addressed by their real first name? MOST of the Asian people I have contact with in the working world use a "Westernized" first name, that's not actually their real name.

So, Aadideva becomes Adam, so that the folks he's dealing with in customer service can pronounce his name more easily. Big deal. It's his people skills that count, not his name. Heck, my husband had a "radio name" when he was an announcer, because his boss said his real name was too French for an English station.

And both "Bud" and "Miller" are perfectly normal (if old-fashioned) names for Western boys, so no, I don't expect they'd have any trouble at all. "Bud" was ranked 461st in popularity in 1930.

It is up to the company to determine if they want to deal with it or not. That company didn't want someone named after a hard liquor and spelled wrong being the face of their company to clients and they had that right. The oddly named aren't a protected class.

Bottom line, think of how a name might effect your kid down the road when they enter the workforce. If you want to name them Tequilla (or Tekila), Slivovitz, Body Shots, Buttery Nipple, Sambuca, Jagermeister, Purple Hooter, Screaming Nazi or something similar it might cause them problems. It might not be right but it happens.

 

[Magpie]

It is up to the company to determine if they want to deal with it or not. That company didn't want someone named after a hard liquor and spelled wrong being the face of their company to clients and they had that right. The oddly named aren't a protected class.

Bottom line, think of how a name might effect your kid down the road when they enter the workforce. If you want to name them Tequilla (or Tekila), Slivovitz, Body Shots, Buttery Nipple, Sambuca, Jagermeister, Purple Hooter, Screaming Nazi or something similar it might cause them problems. It might not be right but it happens.

IF the company had been serious about considering her qualifications, they could have asked her if she'd be willing to use a different first name when dealing with clients. The fact that they were willing to use her name as an excuse to reject her application says to me that they had no intention of hiring her anyway.

Really, would it be right if the company refused to hire someone named Aadideva, on the grounds that he's "oddly named"? Only people with Anglo Saxon names need apply?

And what about ethnic LAST names that sound naughty in English, like "Hung" (a very common Chinese name)? My husband's family name is old French slang for "something you sit on" - a rather rude word, actually, along the lines of "Pole" in English. Given his very successful career in the public service, I think we can say it hasn't caused him any problems in life. I don't expect my children will face any roadblocks in life because they inherited his last name, either.

We're proud of that name, and it makes for a great story to share with the Anglos at cocktail parties.

 

[dogluva]

I didn't give a last name, jusrt first and middle, and as I said the kid has been charged with murder as an adult so it is not like the name isn't out there.

THAT IS NOT THE POINT! Yes, I am yelling. As a teacher myself, I find posting any student's name on a message board very unprofessional! You should not be discussing a student regardless of how funny you find their name. It is also disrespectful. You obsviosuly have none for these kids and maybe you should get out of teaching.

 

[dogluva]

No, I was there picking up some materials for a special ed student in my class. I needed something on a lower reading level for him, and went out of my way to make sure I got it by contacting a primary school techer and driving to pick it up. My point is not to make fun or anyone, but to point out that although you would not choose to name your child that, there are children out there having to live with the embarassment of having such a name. I am not making fun of them, but am sad for them.
FYI, I cannot find the news story about that particular child becuse the news sation only keeps links for 90 days, but I assure you he is real. These kids are real, nad I don't think what is happening to them is fair.

Then stop talking about them on a message board! It only adds to their embarassment!

 

[FireDancer]

IF the company had been serious about considering her qualifications, they could have asked her if she'd be willing to use a different first name when dealing with clients. The fact that they were willing to use her name as an excuse to reject her application says to me that they had no intention of hiring her anyway.

Really, would it be right if the company refused to hire someone named Aadideva, on the grounds that he's "oddly named"? Only people with Anglo Saxon names need apply?

And what about ethnic LAST names that sound naughty in English, like "Hung" (a very common Chinese name)? My husband's family name is old French slang for "something you sit on" - a rather rude word, actually, along the lines of "Pole" in English. Given his very successful career in the public service, I think we can say it hasn't caused him any problems in life. I don't expect my children will face any roadblocks in life because they inherited his last name, either.

We're proud of that name, and it makes for a great story to share with the Anglos at cocktail parties.

I don't see ethnic or non Anglo Saxon names the same as naming a kid after a shot. I'm also not discussing last names. Whether it is right or not doesn't matter really, just if it happens, and I know it happens more than people think.

We'll just have to agree to disagree, I don't feel like a debate.

 

[FlightlessDuck]

I'm disappointed this is an urban legend. I think the name Ledasha (spelled "Le-a") is epic!

I would consider using it just to piss people off.

Fortunately for my kids, they are already born and named.

 

[crashbb]

I don't see ethnic or non Anglo Saxon names the same as naming a kid after a shot. I'm also not discussing last names. Whether it is right or not doesn't matter really, just if it happens, and I know it happens more than people think.

We'll just have to agree to disagree, I don't feel like a debate.

You do understand that the kid was not named after drink, right? It isn't like the parents thought "Hmm...let's name our kid Tequila" and then just spelled it wrong. Takila IS an "ethnic" name.

 

[FireDancer]

You do understand that the kid was not named after drink, right? It isn't like the parents thought "Hmm...let's name our kid Tequila" and then just spelled it wrong. Takila IS an "ethnic" name.

The joke was we know what the parents were drinking when they conceived her but they just couldn't spell it. Whether that is the actual case or not didn't matter, that is what everyone in the room thought and unless you asked the parents you wouldn't know if it was supposed to be the drink or not. I could really care less one way or the other, it wasn't my name or my kid.

 

[Magpie]

The joke was we know what the parents were drinking when they conceived her but they just couldn't spell it. Whether that is the actual case or not didn't matter, that is what everyone in the room thought and unless you asked the parents you wouldn't know if it was supposed to be the drink or not. I could really care less one way or the other, it wasn't my name or my kid.

You know, it's one thing to sit around and mock applicants names in the privacy of your own boardroom, but then you're all supposed to move on and actually consider their real qualifications. To do anything else isn't moral, ethical or right.

Besides, what if Takila DID come from drunken irresponsible parents? She's obviously pulled herself up by her boostraps and overcome great obstacles to get where she is. She'd be an asset to any organization, if that was true.

 

[FireDancer]

You know, it's one thing to sit around and mock applicants names in the privacy of your own boardroom, but then you're all supposed to move on and actually consider their real qualifications. To do anything else isn't moral, ethical or right.

Besides, what if Takila DID come from drunken irresponsible parents? She's obviously pulled herself up by her boostraps and overcome great obstacles to get where she is. She'd be an asset to any organization, if that was true.

You seem awfully worked up over something that doesn't effect you and didn't even happen in the country in which you live. It was one person going on 10 years ago.

Perhaps it wasn't right but it wasn't my decision. I'm just telling you what happened and why I wouldn't name my kid after a shot and then spell it wrong. If my kid is going to fail it should be because of his own lack of ability, not my stupidity in naming him.

That last sentence is a joke for those who are humor-challenged

 

[disneyjunkie]

The joke was we know what the parents were drinking when they conceived her but they just couldn't spell it. Whether that is the actual case or not didn't matter, that is what everyone in the room thought and unless you asked the parents you wouldn't know if it was supposed to be the drink or not. I could really care less one way or the other, it wasn't my name or my kid.[/QU What a mature group. Your boss must be proud.

 

[manning]

Unbelievable

 

[princessmom29]

THAT IS NOT THE POINT! Yes, I am yelling. As a teacher myself, I find posting any student's name on a message board very unprofessional! You should not be discussing a student regardless of how funny you find their name. It is also disrespectful. You obsviosuly have none for these kids and maybe you should get out of teaching.

No one her knows me or these kids, and I am not using any last names. I don't find any of this the least bit funny, and i am not making fun of them. No one here wanted to believe that people would actually do this to thier children. I am simply trying to point out that they have, and i deal with the fallout every day. I don't see the problem?

Then stop talking about them on a message board! It only adds to their embarassment!

Again, no one here knows these kids or they wouldn't be doubtinmg thier existance.

You do understand that the kid was not named after drink, right? It isn't like the parents thought "Hmm...let's name our kid Tequila" and then just spelled it wrong. Takila IS an "ethnic" name.

What ethnicity??? It sounds like a let's be different and make up an name for our kid name to me rther than one that actually has a historical provonance to go with it. What culture has used this name historically??

 

[EMom]

There is a reason some people legally change their names as soon as they are able.

I personally met Washateria when she was working at Astroworld about 12-13 years ago. It was right there on her name tag. WASHATERIA. I didn't ask, but I'm pretty sure it was pronounced with the accent on the 4th syllable instead of the 3rd. Nonetheless........ It did bring up the question in our minds...was she conceived in one or born in one? Because why else on God's green earth would you saddle a kid with that name?

As a former teacher and a person who has remained friends with many teachers, I promise you there is no end to the cruelty parents will inflict on children when naming them.

At my nephew's college graduation a few years ago, DSis and I got bored (you know how those ceremonies are ) and started reading all the names of the graduates. Scads of them. Lots of horror stories. One was particularly awful. I truly wish I had saved the program, because I can never remember the actual name.........It was an invented one. Anyway, this one poor girl with the invented name was doubly cursed. Her first name was something that made you think of breasts. Her middle name was something that hinted at the other female private part. DSis and I were like . We hoped that perhaps the pronounciation we were fairly certain was correct was indeed incorrect and that her name was not as suggestive and pornish as it seemed. Then they called her name and yep.....It sounded just like it came from a XXX movie. I told DSis that if I was that girl I would hoof it to the courthouse to change my name so that the degree I'd just earned would do me some good. Because with that name, her resume was going to be tossed a great many times, with many employers assuming it was a joke. I'm sorry, that's just mean of parents to do that to a child. Or stupid. Either way, the kid suffers.

 

[Liberty Belle]

There is a reason some people legally change their names as soon as they are able.

I personally met Washateria when she was working at Astroworld about 12-13 years ago. It was right there on her name tag. WASHATERIA. I didn't ask, but I'm pretty sure it was pronounced with the accent on the 4th syllable instead of the 3rd. Nonetheless........ It did bring up the question in our minds...was she conceived in one or born in one? Because why else on God's green earth would you saddle a kid with that name?

As a former teacher and a person who has remained friends with many teachers, I promise you there is no end to the cruelty parents will inflict on children when naming them.

At my nephew's college graduation a few years ago, DSis and I got bored (you know how those ceremonies are ) and started reading all the names of the graduates. Scads of them. Lots of horror stories. One was particularly awful. I truly wish I had saved the program, because I can never remember the actual name.........It was an invented one. Anyway, this one poor girl with the invented name was doubly cursed. Her first name was something that made you think of breasts. Her middle name was something that hinted at the other female private part. DSis and I were like . We hoped that perhaps the pronounciation we were fairly certain was correct was indeed incorrect and that her name was not as suggestive and pornish as it seemed. Then they called her name and yep.....It sounded just like it came from a XXX movie. I told DSis that if I was that girl I would hoof it to the courthouse to change my name so that the degree I'd just earned would do me some good. Because with that name, her resume was going to be tossed a great many times, with many employers assuming it was a joke. I'm sorry, that's just mean of parents to do that to a child. Or stupid. Either way, the kid suffers.

What's a washateria?

 

[Scurvy]

What's a washateria?

It's another name for a laundromat.

 

[Liberty Belle]

It's another name for a laundromat.

Oh. Thanks! I'd never heard that before.