The importance of full names
Increasingly, we live in a depersonalised world where people are effectively invisible, identified only by first or last name.
That is certainly reflected in many of the media releases and newsletters we receive.
In this world, there is little opportunity to come together as a community.
As a community newspaper, Peninsula News aims to enhance our sense of community.
It aims not just to recognise the interests we share because we live in the same locality.
It also encourages residents to connect, form community relationships and act together as a community.
A community flourishes when the unique identities and achievements of its residents are recognised and respected.
That is why we use full names.
When full names are used, people feel seen and valued, feel that they belong and make a difference within our community.
It is important that even the most humble in our community, including our children and our elderly, are accorded the respect and dignity of being identified with their full name.
Using an honorific (Mr/Ms) underlines this respect.
The Peninsula is a friendly and welcoming community, in which the use of full names is important.
SOURCE:
Mark Snell, 29 Apr 2023