Name calling
I like to name things. Not because I like name calling, but because I think that everything is unique. No two things on earth are exactly the same and so therefore they are indeed unique. Specifically though, I name things that I have multiples of like tape measures and utility knives. I buy multiples because I like to always have them handy and I usually buy the same kind because I find the one I like and I stick with it. Therefore, I name things literally to keep track of them and know which one I was using. I usually just pick some random but unusual name like Herbert or Gertrude or Francis or Beauregard. Sometimes if I purchase multiples at the same time and I know there will be 3 or 4 or 5 or whatever, I will pick something that has that number like the beatles (4) or whatever.
I've noticed something though. Once you give something a name, it kind of takes on a life of its own. Like it begins to have a personality, a history. It somehow takes on more meaning that before it had a name. It would be like naming your guitars (which surprisingly I don't do), or your gun or something like that. Even though it's just a utility knife, you know that "Stella" is the good one that works great and "Buford" seems to stick a little bit and needs some wd40 often. When you pick up "Stella" you get this warm feeling that this is the knife that will work perfect for that special project where you can't make mistakes. You almost feel an obligation to treat them better when they have names simply because you remember when they worked for you and you want that to continue.
Interestingly enough, I've found that the converse is also true. That human beings that truly are unique require the same attention. But, once you strip people of their personality and their identity they seem to be less human. Take away someone's name and give them a number and then treat them like the number that they are. You will see a big change in peoples' reaction and view of themselves. It is dehumanizing, literally. Treat someone like they are disposable like that utitlilty knife with no name and see how well they work for you. Like you can buy them for a $1 a dozen at walmart and throw them out when you're done.
A utility knife is a utility knife whether it has a name or not. The only thing the name does is inspire me to take better care of it.
I've noticed something though. Once you give something a name, it kind of takes on a life of its own. Like it begins to have a personality, a history. It somehow takes on more meaning that before it had a name. It would be like naming your guitars (which surprisingly I don't do), or your gun or something like that. Even though it's just a utility knife, you know that "Stella" is the good one that works great and "Buford" seems to stick a little bit and needs some wd40 often. When you pick up "Stella" you get this warm feeling that this is the knife that will work perfect for that special project where you can't make mistakes. You almost feel an obligation to treat them better when they have names simply because you remember when they worked for you and you want that to continue.
Interestingly enough, I've found that the converse is also true. That human beings that truly are unique require the same attention. But, once you strip people of their personality and their identity they seem to be less human. Take away someone's name and give them a number and then treat them like the number that they are. You will see a big change in peoples' reaction and view of themselves. It is dehumanizing, literally. Treat someone like they are disposable like that utitlilty knife with no name and see how well they work for you. Like you can buy them for a $1 a dozen at walmart and throw them out when you're done.
A utility knife is a utility knife whether it has a name or not. The only thing the name does is inspire me to take better care of it.
posted by Wurfel at
8:38 PM
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