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HelpRe: Using a name from another culture as an American
in reply to a message by Olwen
It depends on the culture. Some seem to be more open than others. I think it may be related to power dynamics as well - if a culture was imperialist/colonial, they wanted their culture to spread, so it's fine by them, even encouraged, when others use their names. If a culture was actively oppressed, they are more protective and naturally are suspicious of their names being used as ornaments.
Regardless I think anyone considering doing this should just accept that someone will find their choice distasteful or weird, at some point, and prepare themselves to answer questions or experience confrontations.
Regardless I think anyone considering doing this should just accept that someone will find their choice distasteful or weird, at some point, and prepare themselves to answer questions or experience confrontations.
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I mostly agree with the you about it coming down to a colonizer vs colonized issue, but I think in the US there is kind of a gray area when it comes to Spanish names in particular. Spain was one of the most powerful colonial nations, but in the modern day United States Spanish speakers are often marginalized and discriminated against. So that’s a bit more complicated imo.
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For sure, it can have a lot of nuance and grey areas. I can understand wanting it to be a simple "right and wrong" issue, but I don't know if there's ever going to be an easy answer for cultural borrowing and influences.
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