I read the craziest story today. It is also terribly sad. Some family in New Jersey has three young children all named for Nazism. Apparently the dad is a holocaust denier and has named his children Adolf Hitler Campbell (3), JoyceLynn Aryan Nation Campbell (almost 2), and Honszlynn Hinler Jeannie Campbell (almost 1). Read the story here.
My reactions:
1. If you want to have crazy, obscure beliefs that is one thing. Forcing your children to bear the brunt of your beliefs by branding their very identities, their most intimate self identity- their name, is cruel.
2. These people are having a baby a year and are most likely going to raise them with prejudice against certain races/people. That is scary. But it also forces me to consider, what prejudices am I passing on to my own children?
3. These kids have been automatically placed at a disadvantage in life because their names will be considered repulsive to so many. Who harms their child in this way just for their own pleasure or purpose?
4. I personally hope that I would be able to look past their names if I knew these children. I hope that they are surrounded by mature, kind people who can embrace them for their inner selves without letting their names (and the craziness of their parents) taint the relationship.
What are your reactions?
4 comments:
The parents obviously define themselves by these beliefs to make a statement in such a way. They must feel that they need to be this bold to be heard, which makes you wonder. And I agree with everything you said...so sad that his children must carry the mark of his beliefs. I wouldn't blame them if they wanted to legally change their first names down the road.
How very sad for those children. Most likely the parents are very active with people who think like them. Unfortunately it may be awhile before the kids have significant exposure to those who think differently than their parents.
saw this one today - even the picture of the parents looks a little creepy...
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28269290/?gt1=43001
Yes, I heard about the birthday cake order for Adolf Hitler and the bakery refused to write it on the cake. What kind of people would do this to their children? I think this is horrible! I feel terrible for those kids! I agree with what you said as well. So sad!
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