The “F” word is commonly mistaken as a curse word. Although that wasn’t the case for Firoozeh Dumas, an Iranian American writer. In her well written article, “The “F” Word,” she brought forth a sense of humor to tie in with the audience. Those who have foreign names will comprehend Firoozeh Dumas’ story, one I recommend reading.
When Firoozeh Dumas was in grade school, no one could pronunce her name, to where no one wanted to hang out with someone who's name was too complicated because that’s just an embarrassment for them both. Moving to a new school, Firoozeh Dumas instantly wanted to change her name to an American name, just to make life simpler. She changed her name to Julie, rather than keeping her unique name, which means turquoise. I understand what Firoozeh Dumas went through, because I, indeed, past through it myself. It was short names she’d respond to: Froozy, Frizzy, Fiorucci, Frooz, Fritzy, anything that started with F, really (and the occasional “uhhhhhh…”).
Living in America is great and all, but when coming in from a different country and having to deal with name calling, isn’t at all so great. My last name, coming from past ancestors, was indeed unique. Until one day in grade school, when signing out on the restroom sheet, someone decided to come on by and change my name into something ridiculous. Yeah, I got the joke, but I was no where nearing laughing. It was wrong on so many levels, that I ended up disliking everyone. Something I was always told was, “Why are you named after a flower?” and I immediately responded with, “Why not?” Honestly, why should we be ashamed of having such unique names? It’s what makes us stand out from the crowd and makes us who we are. I love my name, and I’m not letting some stereotype ruin it for me.
When Firoozeh Dumas was in grade school, no one could pronunce her name, to where no one wanted to hang out with someone who's name was too complicated because that’s just an embarrassment for them both. Moving to a new school, Firoozeh Dumas instantly wanted to change her name to an American name, just to make life simpler. She changed her name to Julie, rather than keeping her unique name, which means turquoise. I understand what Firoozeh Dumas went through, because I, indeed, past through it myself. It was short names she’d respond to: Froozy, Frizzy, Fiorucci, Frooz, Fritzy, anything that started with F, really (and the occasional “uhhhhhh…”).
Living in America is great and all, but when coming in from a different country and having to deal with name calling, isn’t at all so great. My last name, coming from past ancestors, was indeed unique. Until one day in grade school, when signing out on the restroom sheet, someone decided to come on by and change my name into something ridiculous. Yeah, I got the joke, but I was no where nearing laughing. It was wrong on so many levels, that I ended up disliking everyone. Something I was always told was, “Why are you named after a flower?” and I immediately responded with, “Why not?” Honestly, why should we be ashamed of having such unique names? It’s what makes us stand out from the crowd and makes us who we are. I love my name, and I’m not letting some stereotype ruin it for me.