At the graduation ceremony, it is customary to mention the name of each graduating student. However, it has come to my attention that a significant number of Asian family names are frequently mispronounced. I believe that it is not particularly difficult to learn the correct pronunciation; it simply requires a willingness to try. Schools are meant to be institutions where respect for individuals and their cultures is taught, along with other essential knowledge. You need to push it. And you ARE helping.

There should be no excuse for mispronouncing names. Just as Spanish last names like "Jesus" are respectfully pronounced correctly, names from other cultures should be treated with the same respect. I understand that some names may present a challenge due to their complexity, such as Qiu, Xi, Jiang, and others. However, there are certain names like Wang (pronounced as "Wong") and Zhang (or any name starting with "Zh") that can be easily corrected by providing some education.

Even names like "He" and "She" require explanation and education to be pronounced correctly. When someone claims they cannot pronounce "Zhao," I often respond by saying, "If you can pronounce 'Jobs,' then there's no need for hesitation! (Just cut the BS :-)" It is essential to create an environment where individuals feel comfortable correcting the pronunciation of their own names, without any shame or embarrassment. And I believe the environment is there already in most places.

Ultimately, if we desire our names and cultures to be respected, it is crucial to inform others. I firmly believe that most people genuinely want to learn and would appreciate the opportunity to expand their knowledge. This has been my personal experience, and I encourage others to find the best approach to educate those around them. Letting people know about the correct pronunciation can lead to a more inclusive and respectful environment for everyone involved.