Mr. Snoop? Mr. Dogg?
Riddle me this, writes Chris Faraone in the Columbia Journalism Review. How should newspapers refer to rappers -- by their real names or their stage names?
And if they choose to use birth names, per The New York Times, is that inconsistent with the Times' references to rock stars by their stage names (as in Elton John, who's really Reginald Dwight)?
Comments (3)
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Elton John is actually not Reginald Dwight. He had his name legally changed to Elton Hercules John.
But I think it's best to say something like -- "Snoop Dogg, whose real name is Calvin Brodis" -- or something to that effect. Just one mention's fine.
Posted on June 26, 2008 11:46 AM
But I don't see the same practice for rock stars.
Then there's the Times' dilemma, since it clings to courtesy tities: Mr. Snoop or Mr. Dogg?
Posted on June 26, 2008 11:54 AM
Yes, it's a double standard--for actors as well. Madonna, Kid Rock, John Wayne, etc.
I suspect this has a semi-genealogy in "street names," which newspapers obviously wouldn't want to use. But for performers, the rule should be different.
Posted on June 28, 2008 1:40 AM