Issue date: 2/12/09 Section: Opinion

Media Credit: Evan Andrews [Click to enlarge]

In December, a New Jersey couple made national headlines when the local Wal-Mart refused to write their 3-year-old's name on his birthday cake. Although the couple insists that Adolf Hitler Campbell is much too young to be an actual Nazi war criminal, the store refused his parents service, saying that wishing Hitler a "Happy Birthday" was inappropriate.

In January, the same couple had their three children, Adolf Hitler Campbell, JoyceLynn Aryan Nation Campbell and Honszlynn Hinler Jeannie Campbell, taken into protective custody by the New Jersey Division of Youth and Family Services. As no evidence of child abuse has been released, and with testimony of neighbors and local police indicating the Campbells have neither physically or sexually abused their children, many have wondered if the parents' choice of names triggered the investigation.

Certainly, no one will argue that the names the Campbells have chosen for their offspring are reasonable or in good taste, but the names reflect horrible ideas they have the constitutional right to believe.

Some would argue that names have such a high importance in the early developmental years that naming a child after Adolf Hitler would prove the Campbells are unfit parents. A few countries, such as Germany, go so far as to enforce laws restricting what parents can name their children. At the very least, Adolf Hitler Campbell has a couple of rough junior high years ahead of him.

"A name can be stigmatizing and open a child to ridicule and physical sanctions" said Howard Kaplan, distinguished professor of sociology at Texas A&M. "People can resent the child in the same way they hate the actual person the name represents. A name can also represent the expectations for the child. By giving you this name, we expect you to honor this person and live up to the expectations."

Given the nature of Hitler's accomplishments, raising a child to live up to his legacy is a harrowing thought. Imagining the isolated childhood Adolf Campbell has in front of him, it seems reasonable that Adolf may feel more accepted at home and within the Aryan Nation than with a normal life. If there is a case that points toward a policy of regulating the naming process, it is the Campbells'. Increasing legislation, especially ones that dampen freedoms, is a slippery slope, though.

"Even if empirical evidence existed that some names have adverse consequences for a child, the question should be raised as to whether the greater good would be served by forbidding the names and so forestalling the adverse consequences, or by not prohibiting certain names when the prohibition would constitute a further constraint on individual freedom." Kaplan said.

Although the future may seem bleak for Adolf Campbell, his name may not be a life-ruining curse. Despite various Republican attempts to draw negative attention toward him, Obama was able to overcome the name Hussein. The Campbells have the right to idolize Hitler and to pass those beliefs onto their children free from allegations of child abuse.

It seems more than a coincidence that less than a month after the Campbells' feud with Wal-Mart appeared in national papers, their home was investigated and their children taken. The New Jersey Division of Youth and Family Services either needs to release their evidence of child abuse or release the Campbells' children. Otherwise, the Campbells will continue to look like political victims in a country that is supposed to be above prejudiced persecution.

Goobull :
Teachers will remember their name.
A strong sense of individuality.
Won't have to resort to joeblack189542 as their school e-mail.
Potential dates find them mysterious and unique.

Badbull:
Peers never, ever, forget Lifelong goal to blend in.
Even so, no one will remember their address.
Have to listen to dates brutally mispronounce name throughout dinner and movie

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