I completely agree with Jennifer Gonzalez's perspective on the importance of handling names correctly. It may seem inconsequential on the surface, but there are indeed deeper implications that we should all be aware of. Mispronouncing names, even unintentionally, can lead to microaggressions, which may be perceived as a form of disrespect or even bigotry by the person whose name is mispronounced. This can have a significant impact on an individual's sense of belonging and self-esteem.
Reflecting on this, I do recall a student from a previous class who had a "nickname" given to them because others couldn't pronounce their name correctly. The effect was clear – the student felt singled out and different from their peers. It created a sense of otherness that I can now see was entirely unnecessary and avoidable. I HIGHLY encourage all students with "different" types of names to use the original pronunciations so we can all learn it!
The Hollywood story that Gonzalez shared during the episode illustrates just how pervasive this issue can be, even in the entertainment industry. It highlights the need for a broader cultural shift in recognizing the importance of names and the impact they have on individuals.
Moving forward, I am committed to taking steps in my classroom and school to show respect and honor towards all my students, regardless of the complexity of their names. I will start by actively learning and practicing the correct pronunciation of each student's name. Additionally, I'll create a classroom culture where students feel comfortable correcting mispronunciations and where they see their names as an integral part of their identity. This way, I hope to contribute to a more inclusive and respectful learning environment.
Reflecting on this, I do recall a student from a previous class who had a "nickname" given to them because others couldn't pronounce their name correctly. The effect was clear – the student felt singled out and different from their peers. It created a sense of otherness that I can now see was entirely unnecessary and avoidable. I HIGHLY encourage all students with "different" types of names to use the original pronunciations so we can all learn it!
The Hollywood story that Gonzalez shared during the episode illustrates just how pervasive this issue can be, even in the entertainment industry. It highlights the need for a broader cultural shift in recognizing the importance of names and the impact they have on individuals.
Moving forward, I am committed to taking steps in my classroom and school to show respect and honor towards all my students, regardless of the complexity of their names. I will start by actively learning and practicing the correct pronunciation of each student's name. Additionally, I'll create a classroom culture where students feel comfortable correcting mispronunciations and where they see their names as an integral part of their identity. This way, I hope to contribute to a more inclusive and respectful learning environment.