How International Moves Changed My Name and Identity
By
notok
The kind of bagel that ruins lesser bagels for you.
Summary
A personal essay about the author's experience with identity loss through international moves, specifically how bureaucratic systems in new countries forced changes to their four-part name structure. The article explores the emotional and psychological impact of having one's name altered or simplified by government systems, using examples like Starbucks interactions where the author struggles to recognize their own simplified name. It reflects on how names carry cultural identity and how immigration processes can strip away parts of one's identity through administrative requirements.
Key quotes
· 4 pulledThe Starbucks barista calls out 'Joe, grande latte for Joe!' It takes him two tries before I remember I'm Joe and go pick up my coffee.
I've made two international moves. The hardest part was learning my own name.
I used to have four names. Now, I'm not so sure.
A minor episode in the long history of non-Anglo immigrants changing their names after moving to
You might also wanna read
A Canadian's Reflection on Living in America Amid Political Shifts
A Canadian living in California reflects on his decision to remain in the United States despite America's political rightward shift. The aut
ericmigi.com·4mo ago
Reflections on Canadian Identity and Culture: A Personal Perspective
The author reflects on Canadian identity and culture through personal experiences, contrasting it with American culture. Growing up poor in
jenn.site·4mo ago
Dutch families underestimate emotional toll of emigration on children, experts warn
This article discusses the overlooked emotional impact on children when families emigrate abroad. While many Dutch families (approximately 4
telegraaf.nl·1d ago
Embracing the Complexity of Wasian Identity: A Personal Journey
The author reflects on their journey as a Wasian (White-Asian mixed race) person, triggered by an internet stranger assuming they were a whi
Defector·11d ago
How the Baseball Diamond Symbolizes the Immigrant Experience in America
This article explores how the baseball diamond serves as a powerful metaphor for the immigrant experience in America. It argues that the bas
Rolling Stone·13d ago:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(1144x115:1146x117)/amalija-knavs-barron-elania-trump-white-house-5826-1635e4b6ac7c4f00ae6e89a0fd108ca0.jpg)
Melania Trump Reflects on Barron's Bond with Late Mother Amalija Knavs and Slovenian Heritage
Melania Trump, in a rare Mother's Day Q&A with USA Today, reflects on the close bond between her son Barron Trump and her late mother, Amali
people.com·23d ago