What’s in a Name (and my name in particular)?

This piece just appeared in Newsweek and it addresses the meme Karen and my name and how the meme makes me feel. And, I address too the importance of words and names and how we need to use them carefully. This might be a good piece for teachers and students, particularly those with unusual names or names that message in ways that are troubling or offensive. Thoughts welcomed…..non-snarky preferred.

"I'm called Karen Gross-I no longer use my first name"

A new piece was just released that uses the meme to describe a horrific incident in a restaurant. And of course, the person doing the bad stuff and ruining the meal is named Karen. Peruse it and ponder with me: why are we using names in such a hurtful way?

https://www.msn.com/en-us/lifestyle/relationships/an-all-out-karen-ruined-everyone-s-good-time-during-a-birthday-meal/ar-AA13y6gO?ocid=weather-verthp-feeds

Signing off with even more rigor as:

K.