What’s in a Name?

Based on our discussion of Shakespeare, Vizenor, and “Sticks and Stones,” argue your opinion about the importance of names. Use the following questions to help you formulate your ideas. Do names really matter? How do names (first names, last names, name calling, and so on) affect peoples’ lives? How do they help or harm people? How do name calling, derogatory labels, and racial slurs affect people? What is the power behind naming? Or the lack of power in being named? Use personal experiences, quotations, and specific examples to support your reasoning.