Do you think Non-Asian people changing their names to Asian names is an example of cultural appropriation?

[Iz*Grass]

My friend brought this up to me on discord and while we reached an agreement in our views, I was wondering what everyone else thought?
What's your opinion from a non-Asian/Asian perspective?

 

[LostInTheDream]

I wouldn't view it as such as the exact opposite happens. Asian people take on English names. I think that as long as you aren't disrespecting the culture or misrepresenting it in someway then it's not really cultural appropriation. Also if the part of the culture is sacred. But I wouldn't view names as cultural appropriation. Even in Korean, there are parents giving their children more American names like Daniel and Jennie.

 

[lynch.]

I don't see a problem with it because like Tara said, even in Korea there are parents who give their children more Western names. As long as you aren't being offensive or being disrespectful, I don't think it's an issue.

 

[boo]

It’s a little weird but not cultural appropriation. The only time I feel like it would make sense to do that is if you’re going to an Asian country and you don’t want to give them trouble with your name

 

[Mikasa Ackerman]

As an Asian, I don't think it's bad as long as you don't disrespect and take them for joke. It wouldn't be weird, if there is a valid reason behind it. I even have friends and who have English names, including me whose surname is a Western one. So, I don't think that this factor is something related to cultural appropriation.

 

[Hobicore]

I agree as an Asian Myself. My Real Name In Yu-Jin But My English name I go by is Jasmine. So no In my view point I don't think it's Cultural Appropriation.

 

[ChenXiao]

I chose my name quite literally because I wanted something original - its Chinese but i don't hate against the culture or anything related to China. Even tho I'm not from China, I think its ok to have an Asian username because, to me, it just shows that you embrace other cultures.

 

[anmybeloved]

Well- My birth name M****** Co-Unjen Abalos is Filipino, I used to go by E*** when I came to the US so for someone to change their name from like Sara to Soo-Jin I wouldn't find to be cultural appropriation because I did the same thing, basically

 

[Iz*Grass]

I think there has to be a line drawn at how much one respects the culture and educates themselves about it before changing their name. It's fine when someone wants to change their name, but at least learn about the culture and understand where the name came from.

(btw, "name" refers to one's real name and name on their birth certificate...not username ^^)

 

[escapism]

I don't think that would be cultural appropriation but it also doesn't make much sense to me? I mean unless you live in an Asian country why would you feel the need to change your name to an Asian one? Some kpop idols for example have english names because they got global recognition. If it's for aesthetic purposes only then I'm not sure how appropriate it would be.

 

[Rouge]

@Lost in the Dream took the words from my mouth. That's what I would also say.

 

[ec.li.ps.e]

It's a very slippery slope. There's been a lot of discourse recently around people engaging in Asian culture -- specifically Japanese -- for aesthetic purposes, which is really weird imo. You're reducing an entire identity to an aesthetic and it's just weird. It would be weird to do that to American culture or British culture or German culture, so why is it okay in reverse? Of course, if done respectfully and with intent and knowledge, it's fine. It's a matter of intent imo

 

[Kdramajunkiee]

What if it was given to you by an Asian? I am following a Korean Teacher that teaches Korean who GAVE me a Korean name that has a similar meaning to my own. I mean I don't expect to be adressed by it, but just like learning a language in the US some teachers ask the students to choose a name originating in the language they are learning.

 

[pika_chuu]

It depends. For example, I would not view my own name as cultural appropriation. I am a trans male, and I have always loved My Hero Academia. I chose the name Denki for myself, even as a white person, because I identified so strongly with the character. It makes me feel like myself. In cases like this, I do not view it as cultural appropriation. However, I do think that a great deal of though and respect should be put into the name choosing, and not just for the aesthetic.

 

[moonlight]

irdc if a person does
if they crossed the line tho then....yeah yk what happens lol

 

[chaechae.core]

as an Asian, I don't mind what your name is, it's just a name!