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Help[Opinions] Re: Can you use "Erin" for an Arab American girl?
in reply to a message by Jason Malcolm
In real life, sure. As others have said, people have all kinds of names now.
In a story, I wouldn't do it unless you can write up some nice backstory reason. I personally would probably be very distracted reading a story about a Arab American girl named Erin with no explanation at all. In my writing, I either give characters names that are "usual" for who they are and therefore need no explanation, or I give a good reason as to why they have that name. Names should be meaningful in fiction, imo.
"than you will go to jail for kidnap."
top: Helena
bottom: Silence
http://www.behindthename.com/pnl/59411
In a story, I wouldn't do it unless you can write up some nice backstory reason. I personally would probably be very distracted reading a story about a Arab American girl named Erin with no explanation at all. In my writing, I either give characters names that are "usual" for who they are and therefore need no explanation, or I give a good reason as to why they have that name. Names should be meaningful in fiction, imo.
top: Helena
bottom: Silence
http://www.behindthename.com/pnl/59411
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agree, well said
;)
;)
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Very well put.
Sure, in a story as in life,you can use any name you like.But I wouldn't. As R.S. suggests, you could write a back-story explaining Erin's name.And I've seen this done, in books.But it doesn't work well, IMO. You can see the author coming through the story, and that destroys the illusion that he/she has worked to create.
I would prefer to see this girl bear a name that's usual for her age and place-even perhaps overused, given that the parents may not realize how common a name may be, in their new country.
Or else, she could have an Arabic name-Noor, Farah, Jamila...
There'll be other stories you'll write, about Erin. :-).
Sure, in a story as in life,you can use any name you like.But I wouldn't. As R.S. suggests, you could write a back-story explaining Erin's name.And I've seen this done, in books.But it doesn't work well, IMO. You can see the author coming through the story, and that destroys the illusion that he/she has worked to create.
I would prefer to see this girl bear a name that's usual for her age and place-even perhaps overused, given that the parents may not realize how common a name may be, in their new country.
Or else, she could have an Arabic name-Noor, Farah, Jamila...
There'll be other stories you'll write, about Erin. :-).
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