Name Dropping

I have always loved a great story. People stories are the best. You know those real life things that happen that are just amazing. Those stories at times include meeting and/or knowing important, famous, or sometimes infamous people.

When I was in grade school, (My class was entirely Hispanic except for me.) I told my whole class that my aunt was related to Pancho Villa.  Absolutely no one believed me, and I had no idea why.  I was oblivious to being the only white kid in the room. As far as I was concerned I was full blooded Mexican.  Ha ha!  I did in fact have the wrong person, my aunt was indeed related to an infamous villain albeit a different one. Her maiden name had been James. She was a great niece of Jesse James. Ah well Pancho Villa, Jesse James what was the difference right? 

A few years ago after church I met one of former President George W. Bush’s bodyguards. Before even thinking I poked his shoulder. (Stupid I know!) But how cool was that to be standing and talking to President George W. Bush’s bodyguard? To me these kinds of stories are just too fun to keep to ourselves!

Name dropping. Oh how I cringe when I hear people accusing others of name dropping. Of course it’s never to their face, and it’s always in derision.  I suppose sometimes people really are purposefully “dropping” a name to make themselves appear more important or it wouldn’t be such a thing.  But most of the time I think they just think it was so incredibly amazing to meet or know said person.  Why can’t we give people the benefit of the doubt?

The fault lies in the one doing the accusing. Why speak ill of someone? That’s never in good character! If someone really needs to feel more important by dropping names, well then build them up, bless their hearts.   Our society is so focused inward. How about we just be happy for people who meet or know important people? Why is that so hard? 

I for one love to hear these real, true stories. Tell them to me!  What famous person did you go to high school with, date, spill ketchup on? Come on. I would love to hear!  And why don’t we all just take those judgmental attitudes and toss them out the door.  For crying out loud! 🙂