What's in a Name?

        

                Avery, in French, means "King of the Elves". This definition is always a quality icebreaker when interacting with new people.

"This weather is great!"

"Well, my name means 'King of the Elves', and the weather IS great!"

               

                There are plenty of interpretations of this definition. It could either mean I am Elrond, head chef of the Keebler elves, or even Santa himself! However, this French meaning is no more than a fun conversation piece. My actual name represents me as an individual, and it is an important part of my identity. The name Avery is relatively unique. My parents stumbled upon it when perusing a baby name book. My brother is named Bradley, My sister Haley, my Mom Cindy, and My Dad is named Andy. With all these "Y's" my name couldn't be something like Bob, it would throw off the rhythm. So they settled on Avery. Throughout my life, my name hasn't defined me; I like to think that I have defined my name. Hopefully my actions and attributes have made people think fondly of the name Avery.

             

                My first name represents me as an individual; the things I have done and the person I am. My last name, however, represents me as a part of a family unit. While my first name has been mine to define and identify, the meaning of my last name is beyond my control. When people think of me as a McClure, for better or for worse, they assume things about my character and personality. They associate me with the rest of my family and the things those individuals have done. I am fortunate to have a family who is largely beyond reproach. When people hear I am a McClure, their demeanor brightens. Hopefully, as they get to know me as an individual, they will continue to smile when they hear the name, "Avery McClure".

               

                Humans have the option to associate themselves with any person or group, or to simply act as an individual. However, people are not always given the choice; one can be grouped against one's will. This sort of grouping, or stereotyping, occurs when one attribute of an individual connects them to a group, and then other attributes are assumed of the person based on their grouping. Although I am not aware of ever being subjected to unwanted stereotyping, there have been times when things have been assumed of me as an individual because of the group I am associated with. One example is my participation in the IB program. Taking a few non-IB classes this year, I have the chance to interact with AP students. Before the student gets to know me as an individual, they assume I have certain characteristics. They think I am pretentious, prideful, and condescending. Though this may be true, it makes it difficult to be thought of as anything else.

              

                 Being associated with a larger whole, not only are characteristics assumed of individuals, but so are actions. This is seen in the constant discussion of when the United States should intervene in international conflicts. In the recent E. Bola outbreak, people have been pushing the United States to respond. It is expected that a government with the means to help should. However, there is an expectation that the U.S. protects its citizens first and foremost. At what point can individuals in government detach themselves from being identified with the United States and instead act on their impulses as a part of humanity?