The Impact of Surnames on Personal Experiences

In a roomful of people, my surname often lands me last alphabetically. This has led to amusing situations and some intriguing assumptions, both positive and negative. While my name is decent, its origins have certainly influenced my life in unique ways. This article examines how surnames have shaped personal experiences, particularly through the lens of cultural identity and social dynamics.

Alphabetical Ordering and Unfortunate Inquiries

When a list is ordered alphabetically, there's a predictable pattern to who ends up at the end of the line. My surname is one such unlucky name. Imagine the frustration when someone calls out names, and you're the one left waiting, only to be greeted with a question: “Are you a famous singer named Chely Wright?” Far from it, and I can quickly dispel that misconception through a singsong demonstration of my vocal prowess!

The Siren Song of My Father's Surname

Musing on what my life would have been like if my surname were different is a thought-provoking exercise. The obvious fork in the road is to consider the name of my mother’s maiden. This hypothetical change brings to mind a Japanese surname instead of my current German-sounding one, slightly Americanized. The journey of self-discovery leads to the question: how would this alter my daily life?

Universities and Social Situations

For instance, in college in the U.S., there was a Japanese girl in my dorm. While we shared a space physically, my name acted as a barrier to true friendship. When I visited her room, I left a message in Japanese, anticipating she might appreciate my linguistic efforts, but it merely confused her. If I had a Japanese surname, this interaction would have been much smoother. The effort to explicitly state my linguistic and cultural background in class or during social situations would have been unnecessary if my surname provided an immediate cultural connection.

Japanese Professional Life

Conversely, in Japan, where I now reside, my surname might not hold as much sway. People would still recognize my foreign ancestry from my name and appearance. In Japan, having a non-Japanese surname is no hindrance; in fact, it can sometimes be advantageous. A few minutes of conversation can quickly establish me as a Japanese person in all meaningful ways. However, the social prejudices of being labeled an "Asian-American" based on my name alone can still be a burden, especially when they swiftly reassess upon meeting me.

Facilitating Cultural Connections

Throughout my life, I've had a diverse range of friends, some native Asian, some Asian-American, and a few like me with Asian ancestry and a Western full name. They've all accepted me as an Asian-ancestry person. In this context, having a Japanese surname could have helped in Japan, but the social currency of being a "Japanese person" can still be earned.

Amusing Adventures and Cultural Appropriation

My surname has also brought its share of amused moments. Every time there's a significant earthquake, I hear my name mentioned. And for a moment, every time Arnold Schwarzenegger sees me, I'm transported to the "Total Recall" party!

Conclusion

The surname we carry can shape our experiences in myriad ways, influencing our cultural identity, social interactions, and the assumptions others make about us. While not everyone may find their name causing amusement or confusion, contemplating how different it could be offers insights into the complex intertwining of name, identity, and the world around us.