The name game: Trey vs. George?

*FIRST PLEASE WATCH THE AMAZING VIDEO BY VSAUCE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p7THJoRYA2c (It is SOOOO worth it)*

Your mind is blown, I know.

The story of my name Trey is a funny one. Shortly after my birth, my parents friends came to visit. They asked, since my name was George William Sterling III, "how about you nickname him Trey?" Trey is a latin based word meaning "The third," thus it seemed as an obvious nickname. My father immediately loved it, and from that day I was to be called Trey.

Throughout my life I've referred to myself as Trey. It has been how I introduced myself, and what people have always called me (disregarding the first days of school and the attendance list). Now, recently, as I inch closer to the age of 18, I've been using George at an increasing rate, to fill out college applications, for signatures, etc. I do get a few laughs when I tell people my full name, because when they hear it, they think of royalty or some important name in history. Now I take no offense to the jokes (besides “George of the jungle.” I will go apes*** on you, pun intended) but my name has more meaning than just  a hearth for jokes. My grandfather is George W.  Sterling Sr., followed by my father George. W. Sterling Jr. I am the Third in this line.

But, if my father, grandfather and I have had the same name, how can I talk about the meaning of my name as it defines me as an individual? Well this is why is like using “Trey.” I find it is how I take my own individual twist on my name. It defines me as being the third, yes, but also the honor of being next in the line to name my son (Lord willing) George W. Sterling IV.  “Trey” is what I consider my “name of innocence.” It is what I am called as a kid, but will eventually fade away as I gain years and mature, almost as a kind of death of innocence. I chose not to research the origin of George (I am pretty its from Roman time period), because I would rather take what I know from experience, and from stories to derive my own meaning.

George (n. Name) : A name often associated with royalty (I’m not complaining), however when combined with the last name Sterling, a new meaning takes place for me. A Hard worker, and maybe slightly shady (my grandfather was an entrepreneur/ business man who built from the ground up, and was also part of some tax evasion schemes…but he was still a respectable man), one willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for his family and country, selfless (my father is an active duty officer in the US Army), and _____.

This blank is for me to add as I mature and literally “make a name for myself.” Each previous George added something special to the name, and I am still in the process of discovering what I will add. Names are special, and carry meanings beyond just a way to identify someone. So take pride in your name, it is truly special.

I guess you can say I have two "identities." There is "Trey" and there is "George." Trey is a happy, usually friendly person. But when there are times to be serious, most refer to George. Formal introductions? George. Talking to the former director of the FBI's son? Definitely George. Hanging out with friends? Trey. Playing sports? Trey. You get the general idea. It depends on the situation, which is something that makes me unique, rather than someone with one name for all situations. It gives those serious situations more emphasis and meaning. Don't get me wrong, I love my friends, and the "Trey" part about me. But "George" is my future, and I am excited to find out what that future holds. 

Huie Post

We are the Other - Eric & Mike with Cup Foods Employees and Customers, Minneapolis, Minnesota (2012)


At a glance, it seems like a regular corner store with regular customers. There are different people of different races present in the store. The signs read "Please" and “I used to feel intimidated by the people hanging out in front of the store but after spending some time here I feel comfortable.” Upon a deeper review of the picture, it is clear that there was some discomfort and tension between the individuals. In fact Huie actually says, "Mike (“Please”) is the second youngest of four brothers who own Cup Foods. Eric is the second oldest of four brothers. They had not met before the taking of this photo." I am assuming they had seen each other, but had not formally met. Now, after they had met, Eric is obviously more comfortable around these people. His discomfort and intimidation was probably due to the outward appearance Mike and others have. Whether it be race based or just a natural reaction to physically larger people (Eric is not the largest person in the world.)






What was the drive behind Eric's intimidation? Eric had never met or talked to these people before, yet he manifested a reason why he should be scared. In todays American society, stereotypes run rampant. People are classified, or "othered" based on beliefs, appearance, actions, etc. Eric probably assumed the worst. They're black and aggressive and scary, he probably thought. It's not entirely his fault, society can be held responsible for some of the blame.






In Gilead, women are the people who are "othered." They are classified by society based on their previous lives and actions. For example, there are distinct differences between handmaids and marthas. Handmaids, although they hold a respectable position, were placed in this role as a from of punishment for being against the feminist revolution, being lesbian, or other reasons. Marthas were chosen to be maids and house carers. They are physically differentiated by colors of the clothes they wear. Handmaids wear read, Marthas wear green. They are even treated differently.






In Eric's situation, he had the ability to overcome the wall of stereotypes that separated him and Mike. But how could the society of Gilead overcome the classification of other people? Are Marthas and Handmaids equal? Could Offred ever consider herself equal to, lets say, a Serena Joy?