What's in a name? Ranty Friday
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A little while ago, a former Apprentice contestant caused an immense amount of controversy by stating that it is okay to judge a person based on their name. This in itself is ludicrous. I choose not to write about Katie Hopkins in any length as I am quite convinced that she says things to simply be controversial and keep her name in the media, so that is the end of that.
However, this week I received a report that has found the naughtiest children, based on name! In a poll for The Schoolwear Association, teachers put Jack at the top of their list of badly behaved children followed by William, James, Josh and Kyle.
At the other end of the scale, teachers said their best-behaved student was most likely to be named Sarah.
In the survey, teachers told pollsters children were less likely to behave badly in a proper school uniform with a badge, and a third said children were worse behaved on non-uniform days.
Matthew Easter, Chairman of the Schoolwear Association, whose members clothe two thirds of UK children, said: “Behaviour is a huge issue in schools, and this survey shows a proper uniform is part of the solution with 83 per cent of teachers preferring their class to wear it. A uniform that is specific to a school creates a sense of belonging, looks smart and makes the child feel ready to work hard.” (I wouldn't disagree with this)
Apparently other parents agree too. Last year, in another survey by YouGov for the Schoolwear Association, more than 90 per cent of parents said school uniform was good for maintaining discipline with 78 per cent saying it encouraged better behaviour.
The latest survey builds on previous studies showing that badged school uniform significantly reduces concerns about absenteeism, vandalism, bullying and other behaviour problems in and out of school. Two thirds of teachers told pollsters they found themselves telling off boys more than girls. All five of the naughtiest names are boys while four out of five of the names in the well-behaved list are girls. (should I be thankful that I have girls at this point??)
Worst behaved
- Jack
- William
- James
- Josh
- Kyle
Best behaved
- Sarah
- Lucy
- Hannah
- Harry
- Jessica
So if you have a Jack or a William is he naughty just because of his name? Is he naughty at all?
I think the findings of an actual survey are quite interesting (and are certainly more researched than the aforementioned Ms Hopkins), however I question why we are so keen to categorise children and objects in the press? You would think they had appropriate media planning?
Why are boys always given blue and girls pink?
Why is Skoda still seen as the butt of most jokes, when its engineering is far superior to most?
Who would have thought a gentleman named Barack would be President of the United States?
Do YOU judge someone / something based solely on their name?
