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What's in a Name? Understanding My Journey Through Identity

 

What's in a Name? Understanding My Journey Through Identity

A recent conversation in the media about the mispronunciation of names has stirred up a lot of questions, distress, and memories—both good and bad—for me. It's also helped me understand myself on a deeper level. Growing up, my parents called me "Baby" because they first didn't know what to name me. This nickname stuck with me, and even after they eventually named me Sangeeta, I continued to be called "Baby" at home.

At school, however, I was called Sangeeta, a name I hated. I cried, refused to answer, and felt ashamed. Despite my repeated corrections, my classmates and teachers struggled to pronounce it correctly, often defaulting to incorrect versions. This constant mispronunciation made me feel lost and disconnected from my identity. The name "Sangeeta" felt like a burden, while "Baby" felt infantilizing.

To fit in and make life easier, I decided to go by the name "Gina" without even telling my parents. I told everyone it was my middle name just so it would be simpler for them. This choice helped me get through school, university, and work. As I've grown older, I've come to appreciate my nickname "Baby," finding it endearing in a way I couldn't as a child.

Reflecting on recent events where prominent figures deliberately mispronounced others' names, I find it disgusting. It's a reminder of some people's ignorance and laziness, failing to respect others' identities. It strikes a chord with me as someone who has faced this struggle. I'm resilient and got through it, but not everyone has the same experience or coping mechanisms.

This experience has helped me understand why I felt the way I did growing up and chose to use a different name. It's clear now that the issue wasn't with me but with the societal norms and attitudes around me. Today, I lead my life however I want, but I recognize that others may still struggle with similar challenges. It's disheartening to see role models setting such a poor example, but it also clarifies my journey and the importance of respecting others' identities.

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