In my culture, your dad's name automatically becomes your middle name, and your granddad's becomes your surname, kind of so you can directly trace your lineage through names. So thankfully, this a specific problem that's avoided haha, unless someone wants to have the same middle and first name. I do find the idea of being called "Junior" very strange though, a little bit of me thinks names are a reflection of what the parent wants for their child ... let's go back to the drawing board people !
I wasn't named for my mother's sister (she's Elizabeth), but we do both go by Betsy. So, she was always Big Bets and I li'l Bets. I have been about 6 inches taller since the 7th grade, but the names have always stuck in the family. Now we call her (at 92) Grand Bets which connotes her status in the family and is a little gentler. I am still li'l Bets to some of my cousins ever though I tower over most. Grand Bets has always been a favorite aunt, so I never begrudged the connection or felt lesser than. Thanks for sharing and happy new year.
I think you and your aunt sharing a nickname is different than father/son. Some people are not bother by this at all! I always remember William F. Buckley, Jr., saying his name with full force. The reactions to the piece have been fascinating. Two people wrote me with some guilt! One was a bit angry. You never know when you put stuff out there! By the way, do you subscribe to Sarah Miller's newsletter? I think she's funny as hell and a very good writer. Happy New Year!
I'm named after my mother - first and middle name. I always had a nickname growing up to distinguish us. I completely agree naming your child after you is WEIRD!
Now they seem to come up with unique names or unique spelling of names. I'm convinced it's to thwart identity thieves. There's another reason not to give your kid your name. It also makes it easier to keep them from getting mixed up with a scandal with another person with the same name.
I laughed aloud...because I feel your frustrations! I am a junior, as well. My dad was always Big Roy; I was Little Roy. Even now, with him dead, I'm still Little Roy when I go back to Kentucky. And if I'm in trouble, my sister will call me "Little Roy Lee." The horror doesn't stop there. There was in my family, no lie, the following: Big Paul, Little Paul; Big Marvin, Little Marvin; Big Normal, Little Normal; Big Dennis, Little Dennis; and Oscar. I was always jealous of Oscar. Goofy name, but at least it was all his!
Damn funny, Richard!--or Junior, or Chip (as in "chip off the old block"--I hope that one's largely disappeared), or whatever your name is. All the best to you in 2023.
Yes, I know! But with that little piece of knowledge the piece wouldn't have been as funny. Anyway, I spent 63 years as a junior! Happy New Year, Brenda Bowen!
Happy New Year, the one and only Richard Goodman, writer / author extraordinaire! Thank you for starting 2023 with a laugh (several, actually) delivered in your uniquely bold and candid voice.
Thank you, Mindy! You started my New Year off so nicely! I really appreciate your words and your taking the time to read my stuff and write to me about it. It's so appreciated! Warmly, Richard
I')m afraid I did laugh- a lot. But there's nothing small about your accomplishments at all.
We don't go in for Junior over here but there are other ways: my husband was called Mark Thomson like his father (who was in fact away in WW2 when he was born.) But he was always known as Mark-Henry in the family, to his annoyance and as an adult he took the simple expedient of changing to Marc, as I have always known him.
In my culture, your dad's name automatically becomes your middle name, and your granddad's becomes your surname, kind of so you can directly trace your lineage through names. So thankfully, this a specific problem that's avoided haha, unless someone wants to have the same middle and first name. I do find the idea of being called "Junior" very strange though, a little bit of me thinks names are a reflection of what the parent wants for their child ... let's go back to the drawing board people !
Yes, back to the drawing board! Good idea.
I wasn't named for my mother's sister (she's Elizabeth), but we do both go by Betsy. So, she was always Big Bets and I li'l Bets. I have been about 6 inches taller since the 7th grade, but the names have always stuck in the family. Now we call her (at 92) Grand Bets which connotes her status in the family and is a little gentler. I am still li'l Bets to some of my cousins ever though I tower over most. Grand Bets has always been a favorite aunt, so I never begrudged the connection or felt lesser than. Thanks for sharing and happy new year.
I think you and your aunt sharing a nickname is different than father/son. Some people are not bother by this at all! I always remember William F. Buckley, Jr., saying his name with full force. The reactions to the piece have been fascinating. Two people wrote me with some guilt! One was a bit angry. You never know when you put stuff out there! By the way, do you subscribe to Sarah Miller's newsletter? I think she's funny as hell and a very good writer. Happy New Year!
Richard, another great piece. I enjoyed it very much. Happy new year!
Thanks, Olivier! I hope you're having a great time over there. The best to you for 2023!
I'm named after my mother - first and middle name. I always had a nickname growing up to distinguish us. I completely agree naming your child after you is WEIRD!
Ha ha. Maybe I can start a movement! Too late for us, but for the future children of America!!!
Now they seem to come up with unique names or unique spelling of names. I'm convinced it's to thwart identity thieves. There's another reason not to give your kid your name. It also makes it easier to keep them from getting mixed up with a scandal with another person with the same name.
I laughed aloud...because I feel your frustrations! I am a junior, as well. My dad was always Big Roy; I was Little Roy. Even now, with him dead, I'm still Little Roy when I go back to Kentucky. And if I'm in trouble, my sister will call me "Little Roy Lee." The horror doesn't stop there. There was in my family, no lie, the following: Big Paul, Little Paul; Big Marvin, Little Marvin; Big Normal, Little Normal; Big Dennis, Little Dennis; and Oscar. I was always jealous of Oscar. Goofy name, but at least it was all his!
Yes, I get it! I know a grown man in his sixties who is called Little Bill!
Damn funny, Richard!--or Junior, or Chip (as in "chip off the old block"--I hope that one's largely disappeared), or whatever your name is. All the best to you in 2023.
Thanks, Laura. I have dropped the Jr everywhere I can. Happy New Year to you and Joe! I hope to see you on my next flight up! Best, Richard
PS: Watch "Sr.", the Robert Downey Jr documentary about his father, Robert Downey Sr, to get another appreciation of the Jr/Sr dynamic. A great movie.
I did watch it!
Traditionally, the "Jr" is only used while the "Sr" is alive. So you're not junior anymore, not that you ever have been to those who know you.
Happy new year, Richard C. Goodman!
Yes, I know! But with that little piece of knowledge the piece wouldn't have been as funny. Anyway, I spent 63 years as a junior! Happy New Year, Brenda Bowen!
Happy New Year, the one and only Richard Goodman, writer / author extraordinaire! Thank you for starting 2023 with a laugh (several, actually) delivered in your uniquely bold and candid voice.
Thank you, Mindy! You started my New Year off so nicely! I really appreciate your words and your taking the time to read my stuff and write to me about it. It's so appreciated! Warmly, Richard
I')m afraid I did laugh- a lot. But there's nothing small about your accomplishments at all.
We don't go in for Junior over here but there are other ways: my husband was called Mark Thomson like his father (who was in fact away in WW2 when he was born.) But he was always known as Mark-Henry in the family, to his annoyance and as an adult he took the simple expedient of changing to Marc, as I have always known him.
Hi Margaret,
I'm glad I made you laugh! That's the best compliment!
As for your husband, I totally get it.
Happy New Year, and thanks for reading my words.
Best,
Richard