by Miranda Pierson

Created on: January 13, 2010

No, it is not time to change the name of The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. Although times may have changed, and African American individuals have made much progress in their rights for equal representation, the name of the organization, The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, or the NAACP, still remains. If a direct association is to be made between the name of the organization, and the context of society, then it is possible to obtain the idea that this organization is dedicated to an action that has already been achieved. However, this is not the truth. The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People is about so much more than the extent of its title. By appreciating the past, and the continuation of what this organization represents, it will become evident that the title of The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People does not need to be changed.

By changing the name of The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, the history of the organization will not be remembered as prominently. The NAACP was created in order to help African Americans obtain the equality that they deserved. For years, African Americans were discriminated just because of the color of their skin. The NAACP symbolizes the fight against discrimination and the realization that such superficial aspects should not inhibit all people from achieving the positions that they deserve. Nevertheless, in the beginning, the NAACP worked to help achieve these rights. This is turn is symbolizes the appropriate designation of the name.

However, once the rights of African Americans were obtained, the name of the NAACP still remained. One of the reasons for this has to do with the symbolism of the organization. The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People represents an organization dedicated to equality. Just because equal rights have been obtained, it does not mean that the name of the organization should change. Discrimination is not completely obliterated. Also, by not having such a representation, people will not be directly reminded of the process associated with the achievement of such rights. Therefore, The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People represents more than just a name, it is an ideal. It represents the proper morals that should be possessed by all individuals.

Changing the name of the NAACP is not an action that needs to be taken. The names of so many locations and organizations are changed on a daily basis. It causes the concept of the organization to lose its originality. It allows people to lose the connection between the history of the organization. The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People did so much to help African Americans have their equality. This should not be forgotten.

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