That Is Not My Name | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

That Is Not My Name

And you should remember that.

11
That Is Not My Name
Malinda victovic

Dear Everyone Who Confuse The Names Of People Of Color,

Why?

Do you think it is funny or understandable because there are so few of us around you? Is my name so hard to distinguish from the other POC girl's who is standing somewhere in my general vicinity? Is it because you know one more person of color that makes it harder for you to remember that my name is my name?

Why is it also hard for you to pronounce it correctly? Yes, I understand that it may be hard to pronounce a non-white English name at first, but if I have to keep correcting you on how to say it correctly, then are you even trying? Seriously, are you?

Also, if this letter feels as an attack on you, it is, but in a good way! You forgetting our names isn't just a slip of the tongue if it keeps happening over and over. It tells us that you don't care enough about us to even remember the most basic part about us: our name.

And just to put this into perspective, we never forget yours. We are expected to remember your name after at the most, three slip-ups. We are also expected to pronounce your name correctly and remember that you are completely different than the other person with the same name (which is also spelled and pronounced the same).

All we are asking is that you at least try to extend the courtesy to us as well. If you mess up the first time that is fine, no one is perfect. If you have trouble pronouncing our names, ask us, so that we can say our name to the point where it will be ingrained in your head. We just want the respect that we give you.

And if we need another thing to instill this request, please feel free to sing along.


Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

3646
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

450035
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

21971
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Moana's Top 10 Life Tips

"Moana" is filled with life lessons that involve far more than finding true love as many other Disney movies do.

44921
Animated image of a woman with long dark hair and tattoos
StableDiffusion

1. It's easy to be fooled by shiny things.

Digital image of shiny gemstones in cased in gold. shiny things StableDiffusion

Tamatoa created a liar filled with shiny things simply for the purpose of tricking fish to enter and become his food. He too experiences a lesson in how easy it is to be tricked by shiny things when Moana distracts him by covering herself in glowing algae so Maui can grab his hook.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments