It is an often quoted piece of
Shakespeare, or Bill as I like to call him (friendly, familiar), that
there is, to paraphrase, fuck all in a name. Substance is the thing
and the label you put on it is fairly unimportant.
I have not historically been a big fan
of my own name, for a few different reasons.
For one, there aren't
many good things named after 'Toms'. You have Doubting Thomas who was
a skeptical shit-head, Peeping Tom the pervert, Tomcats are horny
cats and of course TomBoys (or as I like to call them, lesbians in
Embryo form). Tom was Jerrys antagonist, Tom Cruise is plain terrible
(or maybe 'Fancy Terrible') and Tom Green is an awful piece of human
garbage.
If we ignore the non-ignorable
(Morello, Hanks and Waits) it seems like Tom has pretty bad
connotations. History is littered with Toms who were complete dicks
and thats just part of it. Thomas is no better and may be infinitely
worse. I always think people are pissed off when they use it, also it
seems kinda soft. As I mentioned in my last post, there was a time I
thought Jason was the winning name to have, though I have changed my
tune some. And heres why....
It Sounds Cool When Said With An Accent
My Polish (and crazy, though not in a
sunglass-wearing-rocking-out-on-electric guitar kinda way, in a sad
way) Grandfather likes to call me by my full name. Though with his
accent and spelling (Tomasz) it seems a lot cooler. It makes me feel
like a mountain man, working steadily through a series of more
ambitious wood-working projects while readying for the winter that
the townsfolk got word to me late of. A guy can dream.
My Greek boss has a
similar pronunciation but his makes me feel like a Disco King with
flares and enormous sideburns. Sort of like an Australian John
Travolta with a gun. Point is, its got a nice rhythm and sound when
said with an accent.
Its Short and Simple.
I never, ever, have trouble fitting my
name on the display computer when I go bowling. Just one of the many
advantages to having a short name. (Full Disclosure, I have had
trouble doing that, but its usually because I like to make my name
'Terrance', Terrance just seems like a better bowler). No-one ever
has to ask how to spell it, or if it is with any other letter. I did
once go through another 'fashionable' period where I spelled it with
an 'H', as in 'Thom'. People called me 'Thom' (like Thong) and I
regret it with ever fibre of my being, but for the most part I have
never had to explain its detailed letter pattern.
I also am glad I got out of the womb
in the nick of time, before the trend of naming people after where
they were conceived or born, or the parents favourite flower, or the
quality they most hope the child to have (I would be 'Wallang' or
'Tulip' or 'Adequacy' if these were the case). I have a normal name
and that is enjoyable.
It is After a Grandparent.
While I am no proponent of naming a
child after you, it is nice to shout out to your ancestry through
your children. My name comes from my Paternal Grandmothers father,
and thats kinda cool. A tall guy who loved horses (which means we are
both tall guys). I don't know why, but I like that. Carrying it on
and such. It is a further guard against the names of today becoming
further entrenched in irony or eccentricities. Something simple, a
mans name....
It Sounds Like It Could Be On A Street
Sign (Or Menu).
I have always wanted something named
after me. Not a human child, star or library. But maybe a small
street or sandwich (which would definitely feature the unlikely
friendship of egg and chilli flakes, also a lot of salami) and with a
simple name like mine it doesn't seem impossible. Why not enjoy an
open faced Tom while cruising down Tom Boulevard (also the name of my
upcoming R&B album/seniors clothing line). I have also considered
putting out a line of cocktail hot-dog buns to go with cocktail
frankfurts, Toms Thumbs, anyone?
It can take time to learn to live with
your name. While Jason still has its appeal to me I have been
gradually getting used to being in The Tom Club (I have said too
much). Now its time to reach peace with my middle names, which is
another story for another day.
NP.
A really enjoyable read. Love it.
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