That Is Not My Name

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.