Henry Louis Gates, Jr.'s What's in a Name

In Henry Louis Gates, Jr.’s, “What’s in a Name,” a childhood incedent takes place that deals with his father assuming the name George from a white man he passes in the street. Gates’ method is effective because it informs people of some of the problems that still go on today with African-American, and helps us learn where and when to take a stand. Taking a stand at the right time can lead other …

…others to take the stand. There is strength in numbers. The more fighters, the more strength and versitility-which consequently brings in even more people to the fight. Whether physically and publicly fighting, or writing a simple essay, they both form the simple purpose of informing “nuetral” people of the degree of pain that racism brings, and exposes the ignorance of it to the idiots who don’t hate but want to fit in some how.