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Help[Opinions] Re: Using a name from another culture as an American
in reply to a message by Ceri
Not American, but I have a lot of Islamic friends and I've asked them once if they'd have a trouble if I gave my daughter an Arabic like Khadija, Latifa or Safiyya and they have no problem with it.
I often think that "we, Western people" make more fuss about it than anyone else. It's not up to us if it's offensive. Ask those around you from a particular culture and you'll see that most don't have a problem with. I think offensive names are more along the lines of Himmler etc.
I often think that "we, Western people" make more fuss about it than anyone else. It's not up to us if it's offensive. Ask those around you from a particular culture and you'll see that most don't have a problem with. I think offensive names are more along the lines of Himmler etc.
This message was edited 9/7/2023, 5:06 AM
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Replies
I don’t really think it’s offensive for a non-Muslim to use a traditionally Muslim/Arabic name. Names such as Samir, Yasmin and Alia are not totally associated with Islam but more with Arabic culture. There are many Arab Christians. The only problem with using a name that is almost 100% associated with Islam is that people will jump to conclusions. I worked with a girl named Khadijah who was not Muslim but people were always saying things like “Oh you’re Muslim” or “You must be Muslim.” She was always having to say “Not Muslim. My parents just liked the name.”
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