Growing Up Chaim: The Impact of Ethnic Names

Conference presentation about the challenges with ethnic names

1. Growing Up Chaim The Impact of Ethnic Names Chaim Shapiro-Touro University [email protected]; [email protected] https://www.linkedin.com/in/chaimshapiro/

2. Learning Objectives Construct an effective and sensitive methodology to approaching first interactions with students and colleagues with ethnic names. Empower Student Development professionals to assist students with ethnic names to minimize professional and workplace challenges and achieve career success. Facilitate discussions and dialogue to incorporate the challenges posed by ethnic names into college and employer diversity training programs. Share YOUR voice Pop Culture References- Let me know when you see one!

3. Say It With Me…Chaim The “Ch” sound doesn't occur in English Common issue in languages Challenge phrase on D-Day Welcome/Welcome or Flash/Thunder “W” sound and “Th” sound Band of Brothers story

4. Say It With Me ( Cont ) I still don’t get it? “Chain”? Other Hebrew letters: “ Tz ” as in Tzvi

5. Your Turn-Volunteer Which would you more likely attempt? Chaim Nechama Mordechai Why?

6. Small Change-Huge Difference Nechama vs Nekama -close but VERY different Can you translate names? Your Turn-Your Thoughts? What does “Scott” mean?

7. Barack Obama Vs Chaim Shapiro 50 years ago Recognizable vs unrecognizable Pronounceable vs non-pronounceable Ketanji Brown Jackson

8. This is NOT Just a Jewish Challenge This is NOT an all inclusive list Ethnic African American names Asian names Muslim names Latino names Native American names Your Turn-Share YOUR Name!

9. Where The Street Has No Name

10. What is in a Name? EVERYTHING Identity The MOST fundamental part of our identity My name-right or...wrong? Pride Heritage Your Turn-What else?

11. Ethnic Names & Misgendering Sara vs Nechama vs Bailey We shouldn’t make assumptions Doctor’s office story LinkedIn pronouns No pictures for modesty Political pronouns No idea

12. Sticks and Stones May Break My Bones, BUT Names… Names in traditional Judaism Named for relatives Which name shall we use? Divinely ordained? Calling an audible My turn-Nephews Bris How I got my full name

13. YOUR Turn Describe the meaning and importance of names in your culture and ethnicity

14. Zorach Come again? Zorach Unusual even among Orthodox Jews So rare that It is ACTUALLY the wrong name! LinkedIn Search: “Chaim” 10 K: “Zorach” 350

15. YOUR Turn Share your experiences with your name!

16. Changing Your Name I see this all the time at Touro Is this a betrayal? Will I be discriminated against? Will they make assumptions about me? What about “Bob”? Talk radio caller “Brian”

17. YOUR Turn Have you been asked to change your name?

18. Does This REALLY Matter? Warren Wilson Story-Society is changing We are not there yet Is there privilege in a name?

19. What Can WE DO? Avoid the Warren Wilson mistake Ask if you are not sure Try again Ask “is this right” Their apology shouldn’t be your excuse

20. What Can WE Do ( Cont ) Work on it Apologize if you have to

21. YOUR Turn What have YOU found to be effective?

22. Growing Up Chaim-Really? I’m trying… Conference name badges Apologizing when they try NACE14 Video

23. You Said WHAT? Turning on Telemarketers Tonight Is Going To Be a Good Night- L’Chaim Chaim Zorach Shapiro- Life shines beautifully? Name withheld by request

24. Grad School Papers APA Format ZORACH-Its Klingon Isn’t that more of a Romulan name?

25. YOUR Turn Share YOUR humorous stories

26. The Curious Case of Greg Button I changed the student’s name for this presentation Chassidic student-full Chassidic garb Internal Vs External names The impact of the Holocaust Little ditty about Jack and Eileen

27. MY Turn I’ve given up, BUT I work in a very accepting profession Venturing out for the first time Come ON already R E S P E C T

28. YOUR Turn How comfortable are you? Any advice?

29. Contact Me [email protected] [email protected] 718-535-9375 https://www.linkedin.com/in/chaimshapiro/ @ ChaimShapiro on Twitter/X