In the hallowed halls of Westminster, where carefully crafted speeches and polished rhetoric are the currency of power, a fundamental failure persists: the inability to pronounce names correctly. While a four-year-old child can master the syllables of unfamiliar names with earnest effort, seasoned politicians repeatedly stumble over names they should know well.
The Dignity in a Name
Our names are more than just labels; they're integral to our identity, carrying cultural heritage and personal significance. When public figures consistently mispronounce names - particularly those from diverse backgrounds - it sends a clear message: your identity isn't worth the minimal effort required to get it right.
A Pattern of Disregard
This isn't about occasional slips of the tongue. We're witnessing a pattern where political leaders, despite having access to briefing materials and professional coaching, repeatedly fail to pronounce names correctly. The question becomes: is this carelessness, or does it reflect a deeper lack of respect?
The Child's Standard
Consider the honesty of a young child approaching an unfamiliar name. They listen carefully, attempt the sounds, and feel proud when they succeed. This basic human decency seems to elude some of our most powerful figures. If a preschooler can manage this fundamental courtesy, why can't a politician?
The Impact of Getting It Wrong
Every mispronounced name chips away at trust and rapport. It tells constituents, colleagues, and international counterparts that their identity doesn't merit basic attention. In a diverse society, this failure has real consequences for social cohesion and political representation.
A Simple Solution
The fix requires no complex legislation or expensive consultants. It demands what should be a given: basic respect, active listening, and the humility to ask for correction when unsure. The standard set by a curious child should be the bare minimum we expect from those in power.
Until politicians master this elementary courtesy, they undermine their own credibility and reveal a troubling gap between their professed values and their actual behaviour.
