'A child shouldn't be taught to change themselves to make bullies happy': 10-year-old with African name wants to use an 'American name' to avoid teasing, mother and sister-in-law disagree about whether they should let him

It's no secret that Americans aren't always the best at being knowledgeable, accepting, and just generally normal about other people's cultures. We're usually so caught up in our own self-conception that we expect everyone around us to bend to the same rules. We want them to fit into our boxes. Of course, this is a sweeping generalization, but it's definitely a little bit true. It's why we go to other countries and expect them to speak English instead of attempting to learn the native language. 

This is especially pertinent when it comes to names. I have a bunch of friends, mostly from Asian countries, who opt to use an American name with their American peers, one that's more intuitive for them to pronounce. It's their decision to do this, and I'm sure it simplifies their lives on some levels, but I'm also sure it hurts them to have to change a basic fact about themselves in order to fit in. 

Author image for JR Atkinson JR Atkinson
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