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This is a tough one. A ShopRite in New Jersey refused to write a child’s name on a birthday cake because the child’s name is Adolph Hitler. The store manager says the store reserves the right not to print anything on the cake they deem inappropriate; but how can you deem someone’s name inappropriate? A name is a name. Even if your name was spelled the same as the “F” word, it is still your name. Should a name, provided it is your legal name printed on your birth certificate,  be subject to a judgement of being appropriate or inappropriate? Just because someone doesn’t like your name or the implications behind your name doesn’t mean they can decide to discriminate against you by refusing you service because, in their opinion, your name is inappropriate. Your name is your name.

Granted parents don’t name their child Adolph Hitler unless they are trying make some kind of point one way or another, whether they are trying to show their support for the  “the” Adolph Hitler, or they are trying to mock people’s sensitivities, or they are trying to make the point that a name is a name, you name your child Adolph Hitler you know you’re going to shock and outrage a good few people, and obviously that is your aim; but does the motivation of Adolph Hitler Campbell’s parents in naming their son Adolph Hitler have anything to do with this particular issue?

This is a case of a store refusing to put a child’s name on a cake because they are personally offended by the name and don’t think it’s an appropriate name for anyone to have. Surely it can’t be legal for them to do that? It shouldn’t be legal for them to do that.

What do you think?