What’s in a Name? January 22, 2009

My family and I have started watching 24. I didn’t start watching the show at first, but then decided I’d join in the family fun. Even after missing 8 episodes, I have a good idea of what is going on in the show. The main character is Federal Agent Jack Bauer. During the show, I thought of how many main characters in popular shows are named “Jack.” There’s Jack from Law and Order, Without a Trace, and even Lost. All of these characters are mysterious and seem to have hidden motives and “holier-than-thou” attitudes, but they do the right thing for the most part. What is it about this name? Does it say, “I’m average and ordinary on the outside, but smart and cunning on the inside” or “I’m unimportant, but you will do what I say”? Perhaps it says, “My motives may seem wrong, but you don’t understand my background and views.” Maybe it gives people the impression that Plain Jane or Jack can do almost anything and succeed.. Maybe it gives hope to the average part of all of us….or maybe it’s just a name.

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