wyld_dandelyon: (Disintegrations and Defenestrations! by)
wyld_dandelyon ([personal profile] wyld_dandelyon) wrote2011-10-22 05:12 pm
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Language and Names

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!
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[identity profile] red-trillium.livejournal.com 2011-10-23 02:47 am (UTC)(link)
That is sad, I didn't realise girls were actually named that in India. I think it's good they're able to change their names, and to pick them for themselves.

[identity profile] wyld-dandelyon.livejournal.com 2011-10-23 04:25 am (UTC)(link)
Yes--sad that it has been that way, and very happy that they are making changes. I'm particularly pleased that the girls get to choose their own new names.

[identity profile] catsittingstill.livejournal.com 2011-10-24 02:39 am (UTC)(link)
I kind of wonder if this is some variant of the custom where children are named disgusting things, essentially to keep Death from "stealing" them?

Because otherwise naming a child "Unwanted"... I just... even if it's *true* you don't name a thinking being something like that!

[identity profile] wyld-dandelyon.livejournal.com 2011-10-24 02:53 am (UTC)(link)
Well, I sure wouldn't!

[identity profile] seekerval.livejournal.com 2011-10-24 12:16 pm (UTC)(link)
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.".

[identity profile] wyld-dandelyon.livejournal.com 2013-02-17 05:04 pm (UTC)(link)
Yes, and thank goodness the government set things up to let them do that!