Finding Power In Reclaiming One's Name

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You introduce yourself and then someone mispronounces your name. At that point you have to decide if you correct them or let it slide.

For many people from immigrant communities, this has been a lifelong experience. And sometimes, it's about more than mispronunciation, it can signal exclusion and disrespect. Some people even change their names in order to fit in more easily and not be "othered."

For years, LA Times columnist, Jean Guerrero, let people say her name without rolling their r's, the way it would be said in Spanish. But after becoming the target of MAGA trolls online, she decided to reclaim the proper Spanish pronunciation.

In participating regions, you'll also hear a local news segment to help you make sense of what's going on in your community.

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This episode was produced by Eliza Dennis. It was edited by Jeanette Woods. Additional content in this episode from Anjuli Sastry Krbechek, Diba Mohtasham and Julia Furlan. Our executive producer is Natalie Winston.