Unfamiliar Name

[Niels Bohr 72]

Somebody wanted to know my name, and told him my name. He said, "that name is not a common name, never heard of it." I then asked him for his name, he said "Glenn." I replied back, "I never heard that name before too, it's uncommon for me."

I wanted to tell this guy off for saying that my name is unfamiliar to him. Of course it isn't familiar to him because I'm Asian. He expected that my name be called something in the Western language. It offends me very much. My name is my culture. It keeps my culture intact by hearing my name.

It's very rude and wrong for that person to asked such a selfish question. If he was in Asia and said his name was "Glenn" I betcha he would have gotten a glimpse of "never heard of that too" by the locals. What a moron.

[PlatyPius 5]

I'm always caught off guard when I meet someone who is obviously from another culture (Asian, Mexican, Nigerian, whatever) and they say their name is "Tom" or "Charlie" or "Scott". Why do people want to replace a name like "Bao-yu" with "Betty"? Why not at least "Jade"? I prefer the traditional names...it links the person to their culture.

Edited May 1, 2008 by PlatyPius

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

I just let people call me AJ. I don't bother with my 'real' name which has way too damn many syllables.

[PlatyPius 5]

My roommate in college was Suresh Sudira Jayawickrama. We used to always joke around that he should go by "Bob" to mess with people. lol

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

Somebody wanted to know my name, and told him my name. He said, "that name is not a common name, never heard of it."

You should just confront such folks with the obvious fact that they don't get out much.

There is, shocking as it may seem, life outside the US.

[William33 110]

Call everyone "Chuck". That works well.

[mawilson 2,133]

I'm always caught off guard when I meet someone who is obviously from another culture (Asian, Mexican, Nigerian, whatever) and they say their name is "Tom" or "Charlie" or "Scott". Why do people want to replace a name like "Bao-yu" with "Betty"? Why not at least "Jade"? I prefer the traditional names...it links the person to their culture.

It's especially weird when they use Irish names, like Sean or Kevin.

[panamania79 2]

I'm always caught off guard when I meet someone who is obviously from another culture (Asian, Mexican, Nigerian, whatever) and they say their name is "Tom" or "Charlie" or "Scott". Why do people want to replace a name like "Bao-yu" with "Betty"? Why not at least "Jade"? I prefer the traditional names...it links the person to their culture.

I know what you mean.I used to know this girl named Candida,she actually paid to have her name legally changed to Candy.What a nut.

[Amby 490]

who is the moron? Edited May 1, 2008 by Amber&Neil

[caybee 21]

Is it possible he could simply have liked your name and really had not heard it before? I know personal comments to strangers are not considered polite, but not everyone realizes this. There are some people who comment about names the way they might comment about a cool car, and they mean no disrespect. Of course, I don't know the context, just thought it was possible that the comment was actually meant as a compliment.

[Niels Bohr 72]

Is it possible he could simply have liked your name and really had not heard it before? I know personal comments to strangers are not considered polite, but not everyone realizes this. There are some people who comment about names the way they might comment about a cool car, and they mean no disrespect. Of course, I don't know the context, just thought it was possible that the comment was actually meant as a compliment.

It's very offensive to the person who have that name. Sure, it's understandable to not know it. But to make a comment like they never heard that name before means that the name is weird or something.

A name is a name. No inquiries. If it has meaning to the person, don't make ridiculous comments.

I find it very offensive when I'm the minority and people would always say, "i never heard of a name before." Step into my shoes. Then, you need to explain that " I'm Asian " all the time. Doesn't my skin color or physique show that I'm Asian.

[Amby 490]

consolemaster you're a real nutcase. didn't you retire from vj?

[Niels Bohr 72]

I'm not implying in the context of Forum names but real life names.

[Amby 490]

I'm sure that the person didn't mean to offend you. They heard a name they never heard before and probably liked it. Why rant about it? Take it as a compliment!!!!!!!