Chapter 6: Perfect Parenting, Part 2: Would a ‘Roshanda’ by Any Other Name Smell As Sweet?

This chapter weighs the importance of a parent’s first official act – naming the baby. What your parents were telling you when they gave you your name? Not only must they find a name they will want to call their child for the rest of their lives, they must also perceive the effects and repercussions it will have. A boy named ‘Winner’ and his brother ‘Loser’ – how would this affect their lives, and their eventual success?

Naming is often highly influenced by culture. so this chapter examines “very white” names and “very black” names. Why do parents name their children black names or white names, and how might it affect their lives?

Whether a parent is trying to give their child a black name or a white one, a unique name or a trendy one, a pretty one or one that will bring the child success, it is clear that through their child's name they are trying to signal something. It turns out that a child’s life does not reflect the name he or she is given, but instead, reflects the life his parents have had, and the life they expect him or her to have! But in the end, the name one has does nothing for the life you will eventually lead, but your parents can rest assured with the perception that their naming decision contributed at least a little to it.