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Because it sounds like it was made up.

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My stepfather had a friend in school named Perry Mason. I don't know if the TV series or the books were popular when little PM was born, but it doesn't matter; the TV series did become popular.

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So they had to go to summer school, and were late to the first day. The teacher, who was a new young guy who didn't know any of the students, asked their names. Larry gave his. PM said "Perry Mason." The teacher stared and asked again, more sternly "What is your name?"
PM replied very clearly and distinctly, "I'm Perry Mason."

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The teacher got right up in his face and said "You listen to me, buddy. I don't want any smart-asses in this class. Now, for the last time, what is your goddam name?"

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PM kept his cool and said "It's Perry Mason. It's right on your papers."

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The teacher checked, saw it was true, and said "Both of you, just sit down and shut up." But for some reason, old Perry was one of his favorites after that. Maybe the teacher felt sorry for him.