Why do we as people put so much emphasis on names? Names are often arbitrarily chosen by parents and sometimes even changed by individuals later in life. And yet, people are discriminated against because of their names. Although it may seem odd that name-based discrimination even exists, it is an important and relevant topic to discuss. People are affected by their names in that they behave differently because they have a certain name, or type of name, and people behave differently towards them for the same reason.
In order to understand what kind of discrimination happens because of names, one must first understand the significance of names. Hertzler Bosmajian says the following in reference to names, ‘‘an individual has no definition, no
…show more content…
What is meant by this is that some people change their names because they want to blend in more. A recent example of this was research done on Middle Eastern immigrants to Sweden. The immigrants were facing social discrimination based on their non-Swedish surnames, so they changed them. When interviewed, thirty-three of forty-five immigrants who changed their names said it was because they “frequently experienced situations in which they felt stigmatized or discriminated against. They hoped that the name change would give them greater social recognition” (Bursell). The discrimination they faced as a result of their names was so great that they felt the only way to escape it was to change their names. Twenty-five of the Middle Eastern immigrants interviewed also said they changed their names because people often mispronounced and/or misspelled them (Bursell). In instances such as the one above, people are driven to extreme actions simply because they have a certain …show more content…
Whether this discrimination takes place at home, in the workplace, or in a different country, it will take place. It happens differently for different people. Some individuals behave differently because they have a specific name, whereas others have people behave differently around them because they have a certain name. Although name-based discrimination exists, it is unavoidable. Names are a way for people to identify each other while, at the same time, allowing those people to have a sense of identity. It is unfortunate that such discrimination exists in the world today, but it is part of being human. Names are a fascinating idea that we as people have made up; they can be both beautiful and meaningful, and, at the same time, cause judgement and
When people are born they don't usually get to choose their names, as for Equality
names are prevented from being able to reassimilate within society, they are the outcasts. It also
However, Xxxxxx is my preferred name and the name that relates to my culture and the land where I grew up. It is “my piko name connecting to my aina”. It also connects me to my ancestors and enables me to feel their presences. Even though I highly prefer this name, I cannot use this name openly as I want to which is a big burden for me. Nevertheless, the significance it carries and the culture that prevents me to disclose this name are very important to me. The significance of my home lanf and my cuture is what makes this name very special. Therefore I feel comfortable sacrificing my preference over my culture and belief.
“Can you imagine what a mess a world would be without names? (website)Names are very important to a person and their individuality. Ayn Rand’s novel “Anthem” is a book in which the people written about do not have names. The importance of having your own individual names is huge. A name can have meaning given to it, like how the name Sue means lily. Most parents when giving you your name have a meaning behind it and put much thought into what their future child should be named. Names can give you a part of your identity.
In life, people basically know who you are only if they know your identity. But the meaning of identity can be a factor of things that represents who they are based on a person's belief. For some people, their name is their identity. In the article, "Why Should Married Women Change Their Names? Let Men Change Theirs" by Jill Filipovic, the author argues how women, who change their last names to their husband's, consequently lose their "basic marker of their identity" (Filipovic 25). The author makes this argument to question if there is a such thing as family unity if a woman gives up her last name to "[subsume her] own identity into [her] husband's" (Filipovic 26). The author's claims and views on the issue may seem not completely fair since
One’s identity is influenced by many things. It’s something that one has a choice of what he wants to become. One has a personal choice as to what identity he possesses; for instance, he can choose what he likes, who he wishes to be friends with, and what he wears. After all, “Fashion is an expression of personal identity” (Latterell 11). Queen Latifah states, “All things start inside your soul and work outward” meaning that it is one’s choice as to what he lets work its way out (Latifah 34). People have even made personal choices that affect their identity by changing their name. Just as Firoozeh Dumas describes in The “F Word”, “Thus I started sixth grade with my new, easy name and life became infinitely simpler” (Dumas 86). People made fun of Dumas’ name, Firoozeh, and thus made her want to change her name to fit in; she changed her identity. An identity is mainly comprised of personal choice.
There are many reasons why people may feel self-conscious; in which, others may or may not, be able to relate to. “My Name’’ is the fourth chapter in The House on Mango Street and in this chapter, Esperanza and I share some similarities. Being named after a relative, born in the Chinese year of the horse, and a dislike in our own name are similarities we share in this chapter. [Esperanza] “In English my name means hope. In Spanish it means to many letters’’(10). Esperanza expresses a dislike in her name due to the length stating, that her name it is too long. When I was younger, I felt the same as my parents placed upon me three middle names at birth. I to felt my name was too long. I would feel embarrassed when my family would address me by my full name although, they would only do so if I was
“Be who want to be,create a name for yourself”(Unknown). Being one is the greatest gift to society. Creating a name for one is important and key to striving in throughout society. A name will never define someone as a person. The person will define the name. The article “ ‘Black’ Names: A Resume Burden?” by Bootie Cosgrove- Mathers discusses, the burden many parents of color face when choosing their child 's name. The stereotypes set out throughout society on if a parent of color should name their children “black” sounding names is significant. Parents of color should name their children “black” sounding names to embrace their black identity, bring across equality, and end the negative stereotypes that come with “black” sounding names.
Jensen, R. (2013). Nebraska school officials want boy named ‘Hunter’ to change his name. Retrieved from http://cup.blackboard.com/bbcswebdav/courses/20141011465/resources/week5/Wk5%20Hunter%20Article.pdf
The disrespect and irony can be seen when Dee changes her name from a family name to a name that an ancestor could have had while still in Africa. After her Mom finds out she has changed her name to Wangero Leewanika Kemanjo she confronts Miss Wangero about this blatant disrespect, “You know as well as me you were named after your aunt Dicie” (Walker 488). Dee’s name had been her Aunt’s, her Grandmother’s, and her Great Grandmother’s. Dee’s name was a family tradition that could be traced through 4 generations. Dee’s mother went on to say, “I could have carried it back beyond the Civil War through the branches” (488). Dee’s name could had been in the family since before the Civil War. Dee’s only defense for abandoning this family name was that she didn’t want to have a name that was handed down from a slave master. Dee says “ I couldn’t bear it any longer, being named after the people who oppress me.”(488) It’s ironic that Dee would choose to give up the traditional family name in order to pick up a name someone could have had in Africa. It’s ironic to drop a tradition in order to revive one that may or may not have ever been observed by their family. It’s ironic because Dee lost her family’s tradition in order to save one that someone else
Examples of this can be seen from something as simple as a name. Often African Americans receive unfair opportunities just from their names. There are consequences of giving a kid a cultural or a unique name in today’s society. Job opportunities can be limited from something as simple as a name. Ziba Kashef states that, “Names are misspelled, mispronounced, and misunderstood in a country that is largely still ignorant and suspicious of otherness” (Pg. 435). This country is terrified of otherness as Kashef says it. Being different has its consequences and in most cases being different causes one to be looked at as inferior. There is often prejudice against people with cultural names, but there is a positive side to it. Employers and landlords can be charged in court if there is prejudice against someone’s name or speech. There are efforts being made to make America more equal, but there is much more that needs to be
It is hypothesized that name discrimination affects the mental and physical health of those individuals who are being stereotyped. The current study examines the cardiovascular risk factors (i.e., smoking, body mass index, and number of endocrine ail...
Imagine being discriminated against because of a preference or something that is unable to be changed. What would that feel like? Discrimination is happening all around the world, with all different kinds of people. People can be discriminated against by all types of things, such as age, sex, race, religion, sexuality, height, etc. I believe that discrimination is becoming a bigger cause in other countries as the United States (US) and that it should be addressed more than it is being. There are many types of discrimination going on throughout various places but, the three main ones happening are sexuality discrimination, race discrimination, and religious discrimination. The biggest one accruing right now is sexuality discrimination.
I have read an account called " 'What's in a Name? " ", which is composed by Henry Louis Gates. This account demonstrates to us a youth experience of the creator that happened amid the mid-1950s. In the article, Gates alludes to an occurrence when a white man, Mr. Wilson, who was well disposed with his dad, called his dad "George", a name which was a prominent method for alluding to African Americans in those circumstances. In any case, Gates' dad needed to acknowledge this separation and couldn't make a move around then. By utilizing sentiment to bring out individuals' enthusiastic reaction, and utilizing suggestion, Gates effectively communicates his claim that name shapes individuals' discernments
Is your name your identity? And if not, is it possible to maintain a stable and truthful inside identity when deprived of all signs of uniqueness such as your own name?