In this short memoir (an Opinion column in the New York Times), America, Say My Name, the prize-winning novelist Viet Thanh Nguyen writes about his history with his name, how people often don’t take the time to respect or try to learn his name,Ā and how names have the power to change the culture in the United States.
For the upcoming reading quiz, consider the following questions: what choice does Viet Thanh Nguyen make in relationship with his own name? What changes can be made if people keep their own names?
For your writing, after reading this essay, consider what kinds of challenges you might have encountered with your name. Have you changed your name in response to how others say it? If so, do you feel this change was beneficial? Which name feels more like you? If you have not had this experience, how does this story make you think about how you pronounce other people’s names?
If you need to reactivate your CUNY New York Times subscription, see the note below. HereĀ is the link to the article: America , Say My Name by Viet Thanh Nguyen
https://nyti.ms/2F1f2kP
Note: You do not have to pay for this article. If you need to activate (or reactivate) your CUNY pass to the New York Times, follow the instructions on this link and make sure to use your City Tech email and then check it for the verification code: