Name and Identity as Integral Parts of One's Reputation

Introduction

Do you ever think about why parents take so much time trying to figure out the perfect name for their babies? It is very common for parents to choose their child’s name based on what they like. They could also use a family name or a name that symbolizes something special. The process of naming a child is not just about giving them a label; it goes much deeper, as it becomes an integral part of their name and identity.

The Importance of Your Name and Reputation

When you think about it, your name is special and something you will carry with you for the rest of your life. Even though someone else can have the same or similar name it will always have a different background and story. Your name is carried with you every single day, and it is the first thing that is brought up when people are talking and even thinking about you. So what do you want people to think when your name is brought up?

Reputation is the beliefs or opinions that are generally held about someone or something. In other words, reputation is the way that other people perceive you. A bad reputation could haunt you for life, from people not wanting to be friends with you to not being able to get a job. You don’t want to have a bad reputation and be remembered as “that guy.” In The Crucible, the people of Salem are most concerned about their reputation, most of this falls under the way the religion is. For example, John Proctor states in Act Four of The Crucible, “Because it is my name! Because I cannot have another in my life!” He would have rather been hung than to have to write a confession and have it posted on the church.

Role of Integrity in Personal Identity

Integrity is the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles. In other words, having integrity is a trait everyone wants to have. When you think of a person with integrity, you think of a very respectable person. As an example, when John Proctor confesses to his affair with Abigail in court, he shows integrity. Proctor was a good and well respected man in Salem, but with his wife being sentenced to death he has to make a choice to either maintain his secrecy or sacrifice his reputation to try and save his wife.

Conclusion

In the end, your name is an important part of who you are. What follows behind or comes with your name can make or break any situation. The reputation you have created doesn’t go away and in most cases can’t be forgotten. Your reputation could potentially affect how successful you become, it could both help and destroy you. In my personal experience making straight A’s helps me maintain a good reputation in school. This could also go along with my name when applying to colleges. Our personal integrity can only be made by one person: ourselves.  

Works Cited

1. Miller, Arthur. The Crucible. Penguin Books, 1953.

2. Ciulla, Joanne B., et al. 'Reputation and integrity in the corporation.' Handbook of business ethics (2004): 255-276.

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3. Schlenker, Barry R. 'Impression management: The self-concept, social identity, and interpersonal relations.' Psychology Press, 2018.