I have had several students who have asked to be called another name; I have always respected the request. Some students seem to shorten their given name, and some have chosen an "Americanized" name to better fit in...although I am not sure that they always liked their new name. The Hollywood story is sad and revealing. Sometimes I think that people do not realize their micro-aggressions unless they are pointed out to them. We always need to give people a chance to redeem themselves and grow from the situation. I certainly need grace when it comes to pronouncing names. I will continue to ask students to help me and to respect how important it is to them that I give their name my full attention. I will use the website hearnames.com in the future.
