Shakespeare was the one who raised the question: what’s in a name?
Quite a bit, actually, is often the answer.
Take the current issue in Grand Rapids, Mich.
Calvin College, which is affiliated with the Christian Reformed Church, has cancelled a performance by the Canadian rock band — here’s where that who “name thing” comes in — called The New Pornographers, frankly because the school doesn’t want anyone to believe that the school is linked with porn.
And in today’s Googling culture, there’s a good reason for the school to be cautious.
The school, according to an Associated Press report, “found it too difficult to explain that indie band ‘The New Pornographers’ wasn’t associated with pornography.”
It also noted, “Calvin College decided to rescind an invitation for the band to play Oct. 15 at its Grand Rapids campus. Calvin issued a statement this week about the cancellation after weeks of discussion.”
The band has a website and there are samples of its music. It’s sort of peppy, retro ‘60s rock. Sort of a light early Beatles flavor.
They sound like a good band and really ought to consider rethinking their name.
Pornography may be cute to part of our culture. It may even be cute to this Canadian band.
But it’s not cute to everyone.
What’s in a name?
Quite a lot, sometimes.
— Chuck Smith