Language and Names

[wyld_dandelyon]

I know I periodically talk about how we humans enshrine and perpetuate our prejudices in the words we use. Usually I'm blogging about subtle usage--but it's not always so subtle.  Names like "Juanita"  (little Juan) or Georgette (little George) may sound pretty, but they belittle the girls and women who are named thus, just in the etymology of the word.  I don't know how many of these girls and women actually feel belittled, event though "little' is a part of their name.

However, I never imagined naming a child "Unwanted".  It's apparently a regular practice in India:

285 Indian girls no longer named Unwanted

Good for India for allowing these girls to change their names!

Comments

[seekerval.livejournal.com]

Unbelievable that such ideas still flourish in this 21st century world. Good for those girls to stand up and say "I will Not be 'Unwanted'. I Will be Somebody.".

[wyld-dandelyon.livejournal.com]

Yes, and thank goodness the government set things up to let them do that!