There are myriad reasons why a name becomes a crucial identity for a person. Many traditionalists believe a name represents power, supremacy, right, prestige, as well as many other embedded values. In countries such as India, the naming ceremony of a new born is elaborately celebrated around family and friends where close relatives whisper a selected name into the baby’s right ear following traditional methods and astrological rules. A name can serve a variety of purposes. For a new born, a name signifies the cultural values the baby will grow into whereas for a married women, a name commemorates the matrimonial relationship she has with her significant other. All in all they allow us to connect and assimilate in society. While names give importance and uniqueness to a person’s life, for some people, societal pressures can complicate naming. 

Society has unconventional ways of defining names when it comes to women. A strong woman is called bossy, a woman who is affirmative is labeled as a b*tch, or in the worst cases possible a confident woman wanting to flaunt her beauty is characterized as a slut. All sorts of names that are meant to undermine how strong and determined she actually is.

We’ve all either seen it or been part of it, especially when it comes to men name-calling women. You and your friends plan a fun night out when suddenly a stranger approaches you to ask for your number. In intending to be polite and respectful to your friends, you deny. However, out of hate he calls you something deeming and offensive. Little does he realize though what he expresses as ‘hate’ is nothing more than fear in disguise, whether it may be a raging fear of rejection or low self-esteem. 

It is highly unfortunate how this is the case for women all around the world. The name a person is given is who they are, not in any means something to be falsely identified by society for not meeting their standards. Identity most certainly cannot be determined through such invasive language. It is about time we learn how to respect a woman for what she is truly capable of mentally and physically. I am more than what I am wrongly called. All women are.