People have various nicknames for their friends and family. Some are funny and belong to inside jokes and others are family related. At what point though, does a nickname cross the line from being an endearing tease to a derogatory insult?

A stroll through Fresno City College campus would enlighten anyone to the use of derogatory nicknames and the mindset of young adults now. The amount of slang and the number of expletives that fly from the mouths of students is beyond appalling. When logic fails, another question appears. Why on Earth would you refer to your friend in that way?

Even worse, students are referring to themselves in demeaning, derogatory ways. This is absolutely terrifying. There comes a point and time when self-respect needs to be established or the doors of cruelty open fast and wide.

The young adults of this generation cry out for respect from the previous generations but have little understanding of what the term respect means. It does not mean street credit or reputation. It does not come from the horror or awe at the mention of your name.

Respect first comes from you and how you allow yourself to be viewed. Standing up for yourself when you are referred to in a demeaning way and saying, “That is not my name, I am better than that” is the first step.

Allowing yourself to be defined by a four letter word speaks to not only your character, but your level of self-esteem. To be respected, you must first appreciate yourself for who you are and not make excuses for it. Take off the mask and own up to being you.

Educate yourself and take a longer look at the names being given to you by your “friends”. That nickname that makes you laugh dates back to the beginning of racial slurs during the early days of the Americas. That name meant to get your attention refers to a female dog.

This goes beyond the use of racial slurs and animal references. It transcends that boundary into even homosexual slurs. If someone does something undesirable their friend would resort to calling them a name that should never be used under any circumstances. This generation has become reliant on racial slurs and that is a grotesque prediction of the future. If this is out of control now, what can we look forward to?

While these names have been used through various generations, never have they been used in the way that they are now. As a generation, we are better than our vernacular and we need to start acting like it. Life is not a continuous joke and a punch of the arm between friends. There is more to it and it is time to start taking things seriously.

Take into account the names that you are using for your friends and the ones that they use for you. Really take a moment to understand them and what they mean regardless of the inflection used with them. Speak up and recognize your own worth to yourself, your family and your friends. You need to not only set the bar but set it high. Lead by example for the children that tour the school from their local elementary schools.

They look at you and think that talking that way is the cool thing to do now. You are allowing the illusion of a reputation to replace the goal of self-respect.

The future is always in progress and it is never too late to change it. You have to start now and you have the responsibility to lead the way.