I spent 19 years mispronouncing my name so others will be able to say it. I wrote this poem about learning/unlearning that habit. pic.twitter.com/OZy1R0c9WZ

— Mohamed Hassan (@MHassan_1) September 27, 2018

Mohamed Hasan, a Producer at TRT world shared through this spoken word video titled “Unlearning my name” the struggles of associated with his name and thus identity. The 2.22 minute video has gathered over 10k views on Twitter alone and provided both reflection and comfort for many who resonate. The video begins and ends with his name being pronounced.

Others came forward on Twitter to share their experiences of people mispronouncing, changing and questioning their names. The impact on ones identity can be shattering for some while others feel unaffected.

Some stand by there name and do not allow for abbreviations

I don’t allow anyone to call me Andy or Andrew

— Andres Barreto (@andresbarreto) September 27, 2018

Others learned to love their names

A powerful poem and video. I’ve struggled to love my name and now I refuse to struggle with it anymore. https://t.co/JZxarTvYNk

— farah (@farah_bogani) September 27, 2018

Many are still struggling

My first name is Hone-‘Oe-Fa’efita … it’s okay you can call me ____ the amounts of time I’ve been told my name is too hard so they won’t even bother trying honestly ANNOYS me lol. This is me, it’s apart of who I am. Come on now. https://t.co/w8mi6eqHeL

— honz (@urdadzballz_) September 27, 2018

Whilst some are completely changing their names

A bit ago I asked two children to introduce themselves to each other, and the little girl said to the little boy, "My name is Tsholofelo, but you can call me Natasha". https://t.co/01ucowSsRl

— ataŋ-wabʊnɛ malik (@atangwabone) September 27, 2018

Others anglized their names

This resonates with me deeply. My dad chose my first name because he wanted me to have an easier time, and it's internationally recognized while still being uniquely Indian.

But I have always anglicized the pronunciation of my last name so white mouths could say it.

I'm done. https://t.co/r4fkcN53jQ

— Sonia Gupta (@soniagupta504) September 27, 2018