Just Stop the Madness

I came across this on Facebook and thought it was hilarious. This is obviously a conversation that needs to happen! So many times we try to define what is Black, and what is a particularly Black name...nowadays, its just too hard to say or admit to. But what is also interesting is now I'm seeing more and more white women with typically "Black" names, i.e. Kesha...is this the browning of America that they've been predicting?

After Judge Cabrera's historic ruling, little Clitoria Jackson will likely
undergo a name change.

( DETROIT ) In a decision that's expected to send shockwaves through the
African-American community-and yet, give much relief to teachers everywhere-a federal judge ruled today that black women no longer have independent naming rights for their children. Too many black children-and many adults-bear names hat border on not even being words, he said.

"I am simply tired of these ridiculous names black women are giving their
children," said U.S. Federal Judge Ryan Cabrera before rendering his decision.
"Someone had to put a stop to it."

The rule applies to all black women, but Cabrera singled out impoverished
mothers.

"They are the worst perpetrators," he said. "They put in apostrophes where none are needed. They think a 'Q' is a must. There was a time when Shaniqua and Tawanda were names you dreaded. Now, if you're a black girl, you hope you get a name as sensible as one of those."

Few stepped forward to defend black women-and black women themselves seemed relieved.
"It's so hard to keep coming up with something unique," said Uneeqqi Jenkins,
22, an African-American mother of seven who survives on public assistance. Her children are named Daryl, Q'Antity, Uhlleejsha, Cray-Ig, Fellisittee, Tay'Sh'awn and Day'Shawndra.

Beginning in one week, at least three white people must agree with the name
before a black mother can name her child.

"Hopefully we can see a lot more black children with sensible names like Jake
and Connor," Cabrera said.

His ruling stemmed from a lawsuit brought by a 13-year-old girl whose mother
created her name using Incan hieroglyphics..

"She said it would make me stand out," said the girl, whose name can't be
reproduced by The Peoples News' technology. "But it's really just stupid."

The National Association of Elementary School Teachers celebrated Cabrera's
decision.

"Oh my God, the first day of school you'd be standing there sweating, looki ng at the list of names wondering 'How do I pronounce Q'J'Q'Sha.'?" said Joyce Harmon, NAEST spokeswoman. "Is this even English?"

The practice of giving black children outlandish names began in the 1960s, when
blacks were getting in touch with their African roots, said historian Corlione
Vest. But even he admits it got out of hand.

"I have a niece who's six. I'm embarrassed to say I can't even pronounce her
name," said Vest, a professor at Princeton University "Whenever I want to talk
to her, I just wait until she looks at me and then I wave her over."