You Can Call Me Glennia Hussein Campbell

Over at MOMocrats, we're standing in solidarity with Barack Obama today against right-wing nutjobs who think that a person's name is fair game in their never-ending battle to take the American political process right into the crapper.  We're calling it "Just Call Me Hussein" day, and telling our name stories. 

Go over to MOMocrats and read the post that inspired this little impromptu blog action, and blog about it today, use "Hussein" as your name, or leave a comment with your story. 

This is my story and I'm sticking to it.

Long-time readers of this blog (all three of you) know that the reason this blog is called "The Silent I" is that the "i" in my name is silent.  Yes, my name is pronounced "Glenna", but I have gone through life being called, alternately,  "Glen-nee-ya," "Glen-ya," and my favorite: "Glen-NIGH-ya" (think Shania, as in Shania Twain). 

Telemarketers seem to have particular difficulties in pronouncing it, and it comes out, "Glenina," "Glenda," or "Glennis."  This came in handy in my twenties, when I was avoiding those calling about my late student loan payments, and would say, "Nobody named 'Glenenis' here."

I grew up in the '70's and at the time, there was a popular TV variety show hosted by country singer, Glen Campbell.  He had the annoying habit of opening the show with "HOW-DEEEEE, I'm Gleeeeeyun Campbellll!"  Needless to say, I heard that "Howdeee!" refrain on the playground a lot.  A whole freaking lot.

Even as a young adult, people would often ask if I was either named after Glen Campbell or related to him. (No on both counts).  Luckily, his star faded in the 1980's until a drunk driving arrest brought him back to the spotlight.  Moms, before you name your kid Britney or Madonna or Clooney, think of this as a cautionary tale.

Having a last name that was also a popular brand name did not help matter much either.  "Hey, Soup!" kids would shout, "Are you chicken noodle?  Get it? Chicken? Noodle?  Are you a chicken or a noodle?" har-de-har-har

When you're eight, you know people will find a way to razz you about your name. When you're a 47 year old candidate for President, the first African-American President of the Harvard Law Review, and a member of the United States Senate, it's beyond juvenile and ridiculous to insinuate that you're somehow aligned with terrorists because your parents named you after your father.  Last time I checked, most people outside of Hollywood don't have much say in what their names are. 

You got that, Bill the Pill "Cunnilingus-ham"?

Glennia Hussein Campbell

Comments

[Stefania/City Hussein Mama]

BWahahahahahahaha Cunnilingus-ham!!!!!!

I am SO calling you Glen-NYE-a from now on!

[Julie Pippert]

Glen-NYE-uh it is. ;)

And, Bill, yes, a Pill indeed, although I hear some find him a cunning linguist. ;)

That was too freaking funny.

[mamikaze hussein bitchy]

I confess, I thought it was Glen-Nigh-a.

I wonder if Mr. Cunningham knows of cunnilingus. He seems pretty tight-laced to me. He may not venture past missionary.

[husseinlien123]

Oh man, I have to tell you I felt a bit embarassed when we met and called you Glen-nee-ya. I hope you know I feel ya, my name is Lien after all.

[alyce hussein rocco]

I have a horrible time pronouncing words and that goes for names too. The sad thing with Obama is people like Billy boy (can she bake a cherry pie, charming Billy) are tying to use his middle name as proof that he is a radical Islamic terrorist.

Most people do not know that it was our government that financed Saddam's rise to power in Iraq. Nor that he had to go once he decided to switch to the Euro which was going to seriously harm the US in World Trade.

The people that benefit from destruction of Iraq (to install a new USA friendly to our oil barons government) are the Bush clan, Cheney and Bill Clinton. (see Dubai)

Those that fear Obama are fearing the wrong people.

[Lauren]

We're like sisters! If I had a dollar for every, "Are you related to Warren Beatty?" I'd be very very very rich.

[Robyn]

I'll always feel like a dork when you had to explain to me that the name of your blog was because of your name. I can't believe that I didn't put two and two together on my own.

BTW... I'm enjoying a little Campbell's Tomato soup for lunch. Just more proof that I am still in the third grade.

[Dawn]

*snort* on the Bill CunningHAM slam!

[A Whole Lot of Nothing]

*Standing up clapping* Props to you, G! I'm soooo by your side.