Unit 6

Section A

Pre-reading Activities

First Listening
Please listen to a short passage carefully and prepare to answer some questions.

Second Listening
Listen to the tape again. Then answer the following questions with your own experiences.
1) What are some of the ways names can make a difference?
2) In what way can teachers be guilty of name prejudice?
3) What does the writer suggest you do if your name does not suit you?

As His Name Is, So Is He!

For her first twenty-four years, she'd been known as Debbie — a name that didn't suit her good looks and elegant manner. "My name has always made me think I should be a cook," she complained. "I just don't feel like a Debbie."
One day, while filling out an application form for a publishing job, the young woman impulsively substituted her middle name, Lynne, for her first name Debbie. "That was the smartest thing I ever did," she says now. "As soon as I stopped calling myself Debbie, I felt more comfortable with myself... and other people started to take me more seriously." Two years after her successful job interview, the former waitress is now a successful magazine editor. Friends and associates call her Lynne.
Naturally, the name change didn't cause Debbie/Lynne's professional achievement — but it surely helped if only by adding a bit of self-confidence to her talents. Social scientists say that what you're called can affect your life. Throughout history, names have not merely identified people but also described them. " … As his name is, so is he..." says the Bible, and Webster's Dictionary includes the following definition of name: "a word or words expressing some quality considered characteristic or descriptive of a person or a thing, often expressing approval or disapproval." Note well "approval or disapproval". For better or worse, qualities such as friendliness or reserve, plainness or charm may be suggested by your name and conveyed to other people before they even meet you.
Names become attached to specific images, as anyone who's been called "a plain Jane" or "just an average Joe" can show. The latter name particularly bothers me since my name is Joe, which some think makes me more qualified to be a baseball player than, say, an art critic. Yet, despite this disadvantage, I did manage to become an art critic for a time. Even so, one prominent magazine consistently refused to print "Joe" in my by-line, using my first initials, J.S., instead. I suspect that if I were a more refined Arthur or Adrian, the name would have appeared complete.
Of course, names with a positive sense can work for you, even encourage new acquaintances. A recent survey showed that American men thought Susan to be the most attractive female name, while women believed Richard and David were the most attractive for men. One woman I know turned down a blind date with a man named Harry because "he sounded dull". Several evenings later, she came up to me at a party, pressing for an introduction to a very impressive man; they'd been exchanging glances all evening. "Oh," I said. "You mean Harry." She was ill at ease.
Though most of us would like to think ourselves free from such prejudiced notions, we're all guilty of name stereotyping to some extent. Confess: Wouldn't you be surprised to meet a carpenter named Nigel? A physicist called Bertha? A Pope Mel? Often, we project name-based stereotypes on people, as one woman friend discovered while taking charge of a nursery - school's group of four-year olds. "There I was, trying to get a little active boy named Julian to sit quietly and read a book — and pushing a thoughtful creature named Rory to play ball. I had their personalities confused because of their names!"
Apparently, such prejudices can affect classroom achievement as well. In a study conducted by Herbert Harari of San Diego State University, and John McDavid of Georgia State University, teachers gave consistently lower grades on essays apparently written by boys named Elmer and Hubert than they awarded to the same papers when the writer's names were given as Michael and David. However, teacher prejudice isn't the only source of classroom difference. Dr. Thomas V. Busse and Louisa Seraydarian of Temple University found those girls with names such as Linda, Diane, Barbara, Carol, and Cindy performed better on objectively graded IQ and achievement tests than did girls with less appealing names. (A companion study showed girls' popularity with their peers was also related to the popularity of their names — although the connection was less clear for boys.)
Though your parents probably meant your name to last a lifetime, remember that when they picked it they'd hardly met you, and the hopes and dreams they valued when they chose it may not match yours. If your name no longer seems to fit you, don't despair; you aren't stuck with the label. Movie stars regularly change their names, and with some determination, you can, too.
Words: 752

NEW WORDS

elegant
a. tasteful in appearance or manner 优雅的，文雅的，精致的

application
n. 1. [U, C] official request 申请，请求
2. [U, C] act of putting a theory, discovery, etc. to practical use 应用，使用，运用

substitute
vt. put or use sb./sth. to replace sb./sth. else 代替，替换，代用
vi. act or serve as a replacement 代替，代用
n. [C] a person or thing that replaces, acts for or serves as sb. or sth. else 代理人，代替的人，代用品，代用物

naturally
ad. 1. of course; as might be expected 当然，预料中地
2. by nature 天性，天生

confidence
n. 1. [U] feeling of certainty; trust in one's own ability 信心，自信
2. [U] trust (in sb., in sb.'s ability, or in what is said, reported, etc.) 信赖，信任，相信

self-confidence
n. [U] trust in oneself; trust in one's own abilities 自信

talent
n. 1. [C, U] special or great ability 天才，才能
2. [U] people who have (a) talent 有才干的人，人才

bible
n. 1. [U] (B-) 《圣经》
2. [C] any official book supported by authorities 公认为权威的典籍

definition
n. 1. [C] a statement that gives the exact meaning (of words, etc) 定义，释义
2. [U] clearness of shape, sound, color, etc. 清晰度

characteristic
a. representative 特有的，独特的
n. [C] a special quality 特点，特征

approval
n. [U] feeling or showing or saying that one thinks sth. is good or satisfactory 赞成，同意，批准，认可

disapproval
n. [U] feeling that sth. or sb. is bad or wrong, etc. 反对，不赞成

reserve
n. 1. [U] the habit of not showing one's feelings or thoughts 矜持，拘谨
2. [C, U] thing kept for later use 留待以后用的东西，储备量
vt. 1. keep sth. for a particular purpose or time 保留，留出，储备
2. order (seats, accommodation, etc.) for use by a particular person at a future time 预定或保留（座位、席位），登记

specific
a. 1. detailed and exact 具体的，明确的
2. relating to one particular thing, etc.; not general 特有的，特定的

latter
a. 1. being the second of two people, things or groups mentioned before （两者中的）后者的
2. near to the end of a period 后面的
n. (the～) the second of two things or people already mentioned 后者

qualify
v. have or give (sb.) the qualities, training, etc. that are suitable or necessary (for sth.) （使）具有资格，（使）合格

critic
n. [C] a person who describes and judges the quality of sth., esp. works of art, music, etc.（文学、艺术、音乐）评论家，批评家

prominent
a. 1. important; well-known 重要的；杰出的，显著的，著名的
2. sticking out from a surface 突出的，凸起的

■by-line
n. [C] a line at the beginning or end of an article in a newspaper, etc. giving the writer's name （报刊文章首、尾处的）作者署名

refine
vt. 1. make (sb./sth.) more elegant 使文雅，使高尚
2. make pure or improve esp. by removing unwanted material 提炼，精炼

acquaintance
n. 1. [C] a person whom one knows but who is not a close friend 相识的人
2. [U] (often slight) knowledge of sb./sth. 了解

attractive
a. very pleasing in appearance or sound, or causing interest or pleasure 动人的，引人入胜的，富有吸引力的

impressive
a. having a strong effect on sb. 使人印象深刻的

▲stereotype
vt. form a fixed set of ideas that is generally disapproving about the characteristics of a certain group of people or things 对……形成固定看法
n. [C] an image, idea, character, etc. that has become fixed in a routine form 固定的形象，陈规，老套，旧框框

extent
n. 1. the degree specified 程度
2. [U] length; area; range 长度；面积；范围

confess
v. 1. admit often unwillingly 承认
2. admit that one has done sth. wrong, esp. when what you have done is secret 坦白，供认

carpenter
n. [C] a person whose job is making or repairing wooden things 木匠，木工

physicist
n. [C] an expert in or student of physics 物理学家，研究物理学的人

▲pope
n. [C] (usu. the P-) （天主教）教皇

nursery
n. 1. [C] a place where children are cared for, usu. while their parents are at work, etc. 托儿所
2. [C] a place where plants and trees are grown 苗圃

thoughtful
a. 1. thinking deeply 深思的，思考的
2. showing care for the need of others 体贴的，关心的，考虑周到的

creature
n. 1. [C] a living being, esp. an animal 生物，动物
2. [C] (often used after an adjective) a person 人

award
vt. give esp. as the result of an official decision 授予，给予
n. [C] sth. awarded 奖金，奖品

objective
a. not influenced by personal feelings; fair 不受个人感情影响的，客观的，公正的
n. [C] a thing aimed at or wished for; purpose 目标，目的

objectively
ad. in an objective manner 客观地，客观上地

■IQ
n. [C, U] intelligence quotient, a comparative measure of a person's intelligence 智商

intelligence
n. [U] (good) ability to learn, reason, and understand 智力，智慧，理解力

quotient
n. a number which is the result when one number is divided by another 商数，商

despair
vi. have lost all hope 失望，绝望
n. 1. [U] state of having lost all hope 失望，绝望
2. [C] a person who makes other people give up hope 令人感到不可救药的人

label
n. 1. [C] a descriptive word or words applied to a person, group, etc. （用以形容人、团体等的）称号，外号
2. [C] a piece of paper, cloth, metal, etc. on or beside an object and describing its nature, name, owner, etc. 标签，签条
vt. 1. describe sb./sth. 把……称为
2. put a label or labels on sth. 把标签贴在……上，用标签标明

determination
n. 1. [U] firmness of objective 决心，坚定，决断力
2. [U] exact fixing (of sth.); deciding 决定，确定

PHRASES AND EXPRESSIONS

fill out
add what is necessary to make sth. complete 填写

for better or worse
whether the result is good or bad 不管结果好坏

convey to
make (ideas, feelings, etc.) known to another person 表达（思想、感情）；转达

attach sth. to sth.
connect sth. with sth. 使与……相关联

even so
in spite of that 虽然这样，然而，不过

turn down
refuse to consider 拒绝，驳回

blind date
arrangement to meet made between a man and a woman who have not met each other before （由第三方安排的）男女间初次见面

come up to
move towards 走近，移近

press for sth.
make repeated and demanding request for sth. 反复请求，紧急请求

be ill at ease
uncomfortable; embarrassed 不自在；困窘
free from
not influenced or damaged by sth. dangerous 不具……的，未受危险伤害的

be guilty of
be to blame for sth. 对……有罪责

take charge of
take control of; become responsible for 负责管理；对……负责

stick with sth.
keep staying with sth., cannot get rid of sth. 坚持；无法摆脱

PROPER NAMES

Debbie
戴比

Lynne
林恩

Webster
韦伯斯特

Joe
乔

Adrian
艾德里安

Susan
苏珊

Harry
哈里

Nigel
奈杰尔

Bertha
伯莎

Pope Mel
梅尔教皇

Julian
朱利安

Rory
罗里

Herbert Harari
赫伯特·哈拉里

San Diego
圣迭戈（美国加利福尼亚州西南部港市）

John McDavid
约翰·麦克戴维

Elmer
埃尔默

Hubert
休伯特

Michael
迈克尔

Thomas V. Busse
托马斯·V·布塞

Louisa Seraydarian
路易莎·瑟拉里达里安

Linda
琳达

Diane
黛安

Barbara
芭芭拉

Carol
卡罗尔

Cindy
辛迪

Section B

Judge by Appearances

A standard criticism of sociological research is that it goes to great lengths to prove what most people with common sense already know. Without exactly taking sides for or against that criticism, I want to describe a sociological exercise that might seem to validate it — except that, for me and a classmate (and maybe for some who read this account), the experience made a common claim come alive.
During spring break from a local college, my friend and I went downtown to shop. First, however, we made ourselves virtually unrecognizable to our friends and even to our families. We wore clothing slightly inappropriate for the weather, clean but not ironed, clearly not the styles worn by most visitors to the area. We carried plastic bags of nameless possessions. Both of us were slightly untidy. My friend wore a faded cotton shirt over a T-shirt and a wrinkled skirt over sweat pants. I wore a wool hat that concealed my hair and an unfashionable coat and glasses with sun shades that clipped on.
The aim was to look like street people and to observe what difference that made in the way other people responded to us — whether the appearance of poverty would invite prejudice on us. We were also prepared to act out some mildly unusual behavior that might speak of some emotional problems, without appearing seriously disturbed or dangerous. As it turned out, there was no need for dramatics; people turned us off or tuned us out on the basis of appearance alone.
Our first stop (after parking our cars near the railroad tracks) was in the bargain store of a local charity, where we politely asked access to a bathroom and were refused. Next we entered the lobby of a large hotel, where we asked for a coffee shop and a bathroom. The door man said, "You must go to the twentieth floor." We weren't up to trying our act at an exclusive restaurant, so we wandered around the first floor and left. From there we went to a second-hand shop, where we more or less blended with the customers, and then on to the upper-scale stores and coffee shops during the lunch hour.
It was prejudice time. Some of the children we encountered stared, pointed, and laughed; adults gave us long, doubting looks. Clerks in stores followed our track to watch our every move. In a lunchroom a second assistant hurried to the side of the cashier, where they took my $2 check without asking for ID; it seemed worth that price to have us out the door. At one doorway a clerk physically blocked the entrance apparently to discourage our entry.
We had money to cover small purchases, and, apart from wearing down-scale clothing, we did nothing in any of these settings to draw attention to ourselves; we merely shopped quietly in our accustomed manner. At one establishment we did blow our cover when we ordered French rolls with two special coffees; that may have been too far out of character for "bag ladies". Elsewhere we encountered ribbing, imitating, lack of trust, and rude stares.
So what did we learn? Mostly what we expected, what everybody knows: people judge by appearances. Just looking poor brings with it prejudice, accompanied by removal of much of the social grace most of us take for granted. Lacking the culturally acceptable symbols of belonging in this setting, we became, to a degree, objects, with less inherent dignity as persons.
There was, however, one surprise — more accurately, a shock. It became clear most strongly at the shop I mentioned earlier, the one where a clerk conspicuously positioned herself in the entrance on seeing us. I had just noticed the place and had turned to my companion, saying, "I've never seen this store. Let's go in." She looked at me with alarm: "You're not really going there, are you?"
I knew what she meant and shared her feeling. The place felt out of bounds for us. In a very few hours, we found ourselves accepting and internalizing the superficial and prejudiced judgments of ourselves that prevailed among the people we met; we catalogued ourselves. Undoubtedly, it's a good lesson to learn, maybe especially for sociologists.
Words: 703

NEW WORDS

▲sociology
n. [U] scientific study of the nature and development of society 社会学

sociological
a. of sociology 社会学的，有关社会学的

sociologist
n. [C] a student or expert in sociology 研究社会学的人，社会学家

valid
a. 1. (of views or reasons, etc.) well based （指证明、理由）有充分根据的，合情合理的，健全的
2. lawfully effective 有效的，具有法律效力的

validate
vt. make sth. well based 证实

virtually
ad. in every important respect; almost 实际上，事实上，实质上；几乎

tidy
a. arranged in order 整洁的，整齐的
v. make sb./sth./oneself tidy （使）整洁，（使）整齐

untidy
a. not tidy 不整洁的，邋遢的，凌乱的，混乱的

▲wrinkle
v. (cause sth.) to form small lines （使）起皱纹
n. [C] a small line in the skin, esp. one of those on the face that are caused by age 皱纹

sweat
n. [U] natural liquid which comes through the skin when one is hot, ill, afraid, working hard, etc. 汗
vi. produce sweat, when hot, ill, afraid, or working hard 出汗，流汗

pants
n. 1. (pl.) 长裤，（宽松的）便裤
2. 内裤

wool
n. 1. [U] fine soft hair that forms the coats of sheep and goats 羊毛
2. [U] thread or cloth made from this 毛线，毛料

conceal
vt. keep sth./sb. from being seen or known about; hide sth./sb. 隐藏，隐蔽，隐瞒

▲clip
vt. 1. hold sth. together with devices 别在……上，夹住
2. cut sth. with scissors or some sharp tool to make it tidier 剪短，修剪
n. [C] a small metal or plastic object used for tying things together or holding them in position 夹子，别针

poverty
n. [U] state of being poor 贫穷，贫困

mild
a. 1. not deeply felt or seriously intended 轻微的，不严重的
2. (of a person or his manner) gentle; soft （指人或其举止）温和的，温柔的，和善的

mildly
ad. 1. slightly, not deeply or seriously 轻微地
2. in a gentle manner 温和地

emotional
a. 1. of the strong feelings of any kind 情感的，情绪的，感情的
2. causing or showing strong feelings 引发或表现强烈感情的

railroad
n. [C] railway 铁路

charity
n. 1. [C] a society or organization for helping people 慈善机构
2. [U] (generosity in) giving money, food, help, etc. to the people who are in need; help given in this way （慷慨）施舍；捐助，救济款

exclusive
a. 1. (of a high-class shop, goods sold in it, etc.) not found elsewhere; reserved for the rich 奢华的，高级的
2. limited to only one person or group of people 专一的，惟一的，独用的
n. [C] a story which is printed in one newspaper or magazine and no others 独家新闻，独家专文

wander
vi. 1. move around in an area or go from place to place without any special purpose 漫游，漫步，闲逛
2. (of a person or an animal) leave the right place or way（指人或动物）离群，迷失方向

blend
v. mix or combine together （使）混和，（使）混杂，（使）交融
n. [C] a combination of different kinds 混合物

scale
n. 1. [C] a method of dividing people based on how big, important, rich, etc. they are 等级，级别
2. [U, C] relative size, extent, etc. 规模，大小

upper-scale
a. high-class 上流的，高档的

down-scale
a. low-class 下等的，低档的

ID
n. [U] identification, way of proving who one is; official papers that do this 身份证明，证明身份的证件

▲identification
n. [U] the act of proving or showing the identity of sb. or sth. 鉴定，验明，认出

discourage
vt. 1. try to stop; persuade sb. not to do sth. 设法阻止，劝阻
2. make sb. feel less confident or less willing to do sth. 使泄气，使不想干

entry
n. 1. [C] the act of coming or going in 进入，入场
2. [C] a person or thing taking part in a race or competition 参加比赛的人或物

rib
vt. make fun of (sb.) in a friendly way 开玩笑，取笑

imitate
vt. 1. copy the speech, actions, dress, etc. of sb.; take or follow as an example 模仿，效仿
2. produce a copy of the real thing 仿制，仿造

rude
a. 1. (of a person or his manner) showing no respect; impolite （指人或其行为）无礼的，不礼貌的，粗野的
2. simple or simply made 简陋的，欠加工的

accompany
vt. 1. happen with sth. 伴随，和……一起发生
2. walk or travel with sb. 伴随，陪伴，陪同

grace
n. 1. (pl.) pleasing act or manner 风度
2. [U] quality of simple elegant beauty (esp. in smoothly controlled movement) 优美，优雅
vt. give honor to sb./sth. 给……增光

symbol
n. 1. [C] an object that represents sth. because it is connected with it in a lot of people's minds 代表物，象征物
2. [C] an image, object, etc. that suggests or refers to sth. else 象征，标志
3. [C] a mark or sign with a particular meaning 记号，符号

▲ inherent
a. existing as a natural or born quality of sb./sth. 固有的，与生俱来的

▲dignity
n. 1. [U] calm or serious manner or style 尊严，端庄
2. [U] the sense that you have of your own importance and value 自尊感，自我价值感

accurate
a. exactly correct 确切的，精确的

accurately
ad. exactly, correctly 精确地，准确地

▲conspicuous
a. easily seen; noticeable 显而易见的，引人注目的，显著的

conspicuously
ad. noticeably 显著地，显眼地

bound
n. 1. (usu. pl.) limits 边界，界限，边区
2. [C] a quick large jump 跳跃，跳跃向前
a. certain, very likely 一定……，必定……
vi. jump or run with jumping movements 跳，跃

internal
a. 1. of or on the inside 内部的，在内部的
2. of political, economic, etc. affairs within a country, rather than abroad 国内的，内政的
3. of the mind 内心的

internalize
vt. accept as your own, so that it becomes a natural and important part of your character 使内在化

superficial
a. 1. not deep 肤浅的，浅薄的
2. of or on the surface only 表面的，表面上的

prevail
vi. 1. exist or happen generally 盛行，流行
2. fight successfully (against sb./sth.) 获胜，战胜，胜（过）

catalogue (catalog)
vt. list (sth./sb.) in a special order 把……编入目录，为……编目录
n. [C] (book having a) complete list of items, usu. in a special order and with a description of each 目录
undoubtedly
ad. without doubt 确实地，无疑地

PHRASES AND EXPRESSIONS

go to great lengths to do
make a great deal of effort to do 竭尽全力去做

be inappropriate for
not suitable for; not right and proper for 不适当的，不合适的

act sth. out
1. express (thoughts, unconscious fears, etc.) in actions and behavior rather than in words 实行，（把想法等）付诸行动
2. act a part, usu. in a real-life situation and for some purpose （通常在真实生活中为某种目的）表现，扮演

speak of sth.
suggest sth. 表明，暗示

turn out
prove to be; come to be known 证实是，原来是

turn sb. off
drive sb./sth. away (from a place) （从……）撵走，逐走（某人或某物）

tune out
ignore, stop listening or paying attention to 不理会, 不理睬

up to sth.
capable of sth. 能做，胜任

more or less
almost 几乎，差不多

follow one's track
be after sb./sth.跟着

apart from
except for 除开，撇开，除……以外

blow one's cover
reveal 泄露，暴露

out of character
not representative of a person's character 不合……个性的

turn to sb.
face sb. 转向（某人），扭向（某人）

Section C

The Pain in Wearing High Heels（高跟鞋）

They are wearing high heels this year.
Are you?
Since I was a little girl, I've been trying to figure out exactly who "they" are and why the rest of us are supposed to dress just like them. The heavier I was, the more I would make fun of my sister and mother for their imitating: "Don't you have any taste of your own?"
But even I was interested in what shoes they were wearing. Everyone likes shoe-shopping. Your size isn't your fault. There's nothing you can do about it. And at least in theory, anyone can wear any shoe: That's why they come in so many sizes.
As foot specialists will tell you, shoes can be dangerous to your feet. The thinner and higher the heel, the greater the risk of foot and back problems. Standing in high heels inevitably hurts after an hour on foot. This results in aches and pains.
It gets worse. The popularity of tennis shoes has led women's feet literally to get bigger — especially wider — but the sizing of shoes hasn't changed. Most women wear shoes that fit poorly, usually ones that are too small, which adds pain to high-heel hell（痛苦）.
So why do we do it? The traditional criticism is that women are slaves to male ideas. Fashion culture controlled by models leads us to offer our toes and our check books to satisfy some men's idea of sexy（性感的）shoes. Much of the advertising of this year's return to heels as high as 6 inches focuses on the shoes and the short skirts that go with them as a statement by women of their sexiness and female charm. Apparently, wearing high heels pushes your breasts（胸脯）out by changing your center of gravity（重心）. In Florence and Milan, men were reportedly salivating（垂涎）.
In Bloomingdale's shoe department, all the salivating was done by women, myself included. Strictly as research, of course, I tried on shoes and observed other women doing the same. Almost everyone is trying on the new higher heels. We strut（高视阔步）around. We throw our heads a little, and laugh.
Feet look smaller in high heels. Most women in America have big feet. Believe it or not, 91/2 is the most popular size. It isn't just you. And it isn't just feet. High heels make a woman's leg look longer, and everyone looks better with longer legs. There is a story that holds that high heels were first brought to America by a famous New Orleans madam who discovered that she could charge twice as much when a woman wore high heels.
In fact, none of the women I talked to were buying shoes to please the men in their lives. "My husband won't even notice the shoes," a woman told me. More than one said husbands or boyfriends wouldn't like her because they'd make her too tall. Most men seem to prefer keeping the height advantage to heels, pushed-out（挺出）breasts notwithstanding（尽管）. The higher the heels get, the more men who face the tradeoff（权衡）.
No one pretends high heels are as comfortable as flats. It's what they do to your head, not your feet. That's what makes women walk differently and look differently in high heels.
I almost succumbed, but they are too costly, and how often can I wear them? Not sensible. Not practical. Definitely not right for work and kids.
But the next day in Leohmann's, on sale yet, I find a pair that are just as good. Now I just have to get invited somewhere in my high heels.
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