Re: Question about names and cultures
I do know what you mean, very much. Ladislava was a bit of a strong choice. Maybe I should have gone with something more German, since there aren't a whole lot of Slovakian people in the US in comparison with German people. Anyways, I agree with you to a certain extent, and it brings up another question that may be ever more sensitive. If said American person was born or emigrated (with the intention to stay for life) to a non-English speaking country, say Slovakia, would it be considered weird for that person to be given or change their name to a Slovakian name? I ask this because a lot of people who are new to America (either them or their parents) are given or take generic American names, like Jennifer. I understand that they do it to fit in. It's normal and expected. But sometimes I...I don't want to say worry, but I do feel odd about how many people easily take American names (both here and in other countries) and yet how much of a barrier there is between an American person and a non white-European name. I almost feel like it allows white America to propagate and become the new global "person" instead of a cross cultural influence where people really can go both ways. How global are we if in a country that constantly boasts about being a country of immigrants the only real normal is white-European immigrant? But I could be really off here. I only have my own experience (and American media) to speak of.