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My family recently adopted a rescue dog. As we were going through a long list of possible names for our pup, two of the more charming possibilities were Odin (the king of the gods in ancient Norse mythology) and Zeus (the leader of the gods in ancient Greek mythology). I was concerned that naming our dog for someone else’s deity would be disrespectful. After all, would it be OK to name our pet Yahweh or Allah? I once had a friend with a cat named Shiva; I was a child at the time, so I thought nothing of it, but I wonder about it now. Does it make a difference whether anybody still worships the ancient Norse and Greek gods, as opposed to the gods and prophets of the very active Judeo-Christian, Islamic or Hindu religions? For that matter, is the answer different depending on which active religion we’re talking about? — Pablo Halpern
From the Ethicist:
If a tree falls in a forest and there’s nobody around to hear it, does it still make a sound? Why, yes. If you call out to your dog Zeus in the park and nobody shoots you a look, have you done something offensive? Yeah, no. When no offense is taken, none have been given. Counterfactual affront to extinct civilizations: not high on the list of things to worry about.
I appreciate that you’re thinking through all the angles. When it comes to conventions and courtesy, though, reasoning takes us only so far. You never want to find yourself explaining to people why they shouldn’t be offended. Yes, people love their pets, and humans named Max seem mainly OK with dogs named Max. That’s not license to throw caution and consideration to the winds. Jesus is a common male name in some Christian cultures, rare in others. Muhammad is said to be the most popular male name in the world, but it’s reserved for human beings. If people who belong to certain identity groups are known to be affronted by a naming practice, someone’s choice to defy them will itself be a source of affront — and reasonably enough.
Whatever your personal beliefs, refraining from giving offense is simply a matter of respect for actual, living human beings. It makes sense, in a religiously plural society, to avoid burdening our pets with names that will dismay some complement of our neighbors. Fortunately, the nomenclatural constraints this imposes are pretty minuscule. You may safely call your dog Odin or Zeus. Other popular choices: Thor (a son of Odin) or Hercules (a son of Zeus). Pay homage to the denizens of Valhalla and Mount Olympus. Plunder the past; repurpose your nephew’s childhood nickname. When it comes to naming our animal companions, we’re hardly on a tight leash.
Readers Respond
The previous question was from a reader who was torn about whether to patronize a business she likes. She wrote: “For 18 months, I’ve taken a weekly lesson at a stable that specializes in therapeutic work. The team here helps disabled people experience horseback riding and nonmounted equine exercises; they also have a kids’ program. The barn is truly my happy place, so much so that I have volunteered at its events and made small financial contributions to the program. I’m very fond of the stable’s director; riding under her expert tutelage has helped me become stronger, happier and more confident. Recently, I drove up to the barn to drop off my granddaughter for the last day of her riding camp there. Draped over the director’s front porch, adjacent to the stable and visible to all, was a large Trump banner. Gut-punch time. I can’t imagine anything more horrifying than a Trump presidency. There’s no point in talking to the director — I remember on my first day there, she told me that politics and religion were taboo topics among the barn family. (Now I get why!) I guess I could go elsewhere, but I don’t really want to start over with someone new. … How do I navigate this situation?”
In his response, the Ethicist noted: “In a democracy, we’re in this together. We have to try to understand one another’s views about politics and policy or we can’t do our job as citizens. At the same time, we have to know when to put our differences aside and remember that we have identities other than our political ones. This is someone you’re fond of, someone who has helped create a fine equestrian institution that has made a positive contribution to your community. Does this woman — this stable genius — deserve nothing better than being shunned? You’re a client, a supporter and maybe even a friend of hers. Our lives can become constricted when our political identities are always holding the reins.” (Reread the full question and answer here.)
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One additional way for the letter writer to approach the situation is through the lens of disability, considering that’s the crux of the owner’s business. Given the things he’s said about the disability community, how does her stated support of Trump affect the way her disabled clients feel, given the things he’s said about the disability community? What policies does she believe will most help the people she serves? How will a Trump administration affect her clients’ ability to avail themselves of the important therapies they offer, and their comfort in doing so? — Jocelyn
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Superb response. The Ethicist’s answer couldn’t possibly be improved, except maybe to note that many of us voting for Trump are doing so because to do otherwise would be helping Harris. We’re well aware of Trump’s flaws, but also aware of those of his Democrat opponents. — Steve
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I have a problem with this response. It advocates tolerance and dialogue with someone who supports a candidate, person, ideology and culture that doesn’t do the same. It brings to mind Karl Popper’s paradox of tolerance, which states that, “If we extend unlimited tolerance even to those who are intolerant, if we are not prepared to defend a tolerant society against the onslaught of the intolerant, then the tolerant will be destroyed, and tolerance with them.” In my and the justified opinion of many, MAGA culture enables violence, subjugation, prejudice and hate. We are what we think, believe and do. If what someone thinks, believes and does lines up with supporting a candidate that supports the things I mentioned above, why are we obligated to treat that person as though they have a right to open an honest dialogue? Would you do the same for a violent offender? A sex offender? A Nazi? There is a line where Popper’s paradox begins. And these days, the line seems to be drawn at MAGA. — Ira
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I agree with the Ethicist in theory, but where I’d get stuck was the fact that I’d contributed financially to this person. My concern would be that I would be unintentionally funding (however indirectly) a campaign that was in direct conflict with my morals. Also, kudos to the Ethicist for a perfectly fitting and well-placed use of the phrase “stable genius.” — Leah
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This response was just what I needed to process a similar situation in which a neighbor, who is a good friend, recently put up a Trump sign in their yard. The effect was like a “gut punch,” to use the letter writer’s term. How could he and his wife, who are intelligent, successful professionals in the service field, agree that he is the best candidate for president? I have not wanted to engage in political conversations with them for fear of changing our good relationship. Your column helped me understand that others should not be shunned because of their political identities. After reading your column, I feel now that if my neighbor brings up their political views in future conversations I can handle it by asking the right questions to understand them, and also maintaining respect for what they believe. And, if they ask about my political beliefs, I will be ready to share what I value in a future president and my beliefs about ethical leadership. Thank you for this guidance. — Patricia
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