Member-only story
What’s in a Name? Identity.
While Shakespeare may have argued differently, I argue that our names are vital to our sense of self.
While it is true that we are given our names, somehow, they become synonymous with our identity. When that name isn’t used or is frequently mispronounced by others, it can wear on our self-esteem. It can signify a lack of belonging in the very place where we live.
As a public sector teacher in a big Canadian city, I have come across names from all over the world. I find that I am lucky to have met so many wonderful individuals with such diverse cultures and experiences. However, time and time again, I have encountered the same scenario. A child with a beautiful name that identifies them as belonging to a specific culture does not want to be referred to by that name. Instead, they will choose a similar name. One that is easy for their teachers to pronounce.
By the time I meet these children, they have become ashamed of their names.
Why has this happened? How have we, as a society, allowed this to happen?! It infuriates me and saddens me all at once.
Shouldn’t it be our burden to learn how to pronounce a child’s name correctly? Shouldn’t that child feel proud of their names? Don’t they have the right to go about life with the expectation that when they are called, it’s their actual name that they…
