1/
Q: What's in a name?
A: A whooole lot, man.

For the last few years, at the start of intern orientation, I ask residents to answer these questions:

1. My name is ____.
2. It is pronounced ____.
3. I prefer to be called ____.
4. I'd actually prefer you not call me _____.

2/
This isn't just for "ethnic" names. It's for ANY name that is yours.

PeriodT.

I kick the FIRST meeting off this way because folks seem to believe that there's a statute of jacking-up-names limitations that can't be overcome.

Which reminds me. . .

3/
It is NEVER too late to pop the chain back into the bicycle that is your NAME. Nope. Even if it's been your whole life.

And.

Since we ALL know about how inertia can be, the same happens with names. Folks just keep it going. And, often times, it isn't intentional.

Nope.

4/
But. . .as we #dothework, honoring NAMES is a really simple, individual action that we ALL can do.

Why? Because your name is your NAME, man.

YOUR.
NAME.
IS.
YOUR.
NAME.

And honoring your name is honoring YOU.
Just as opting to do otherwise is the opposite.

Feel me?

5/
Whew!

I wish I had time to tell preach about how some "ethnic" names automatically get revised/remixed and some don't.

I mean, I would if I had time.

Which reminds me:

Don't y'all think folks who can master the Kreb's Cycle can properly learn a name?

I'm just saying.

6/
Also.

I wish I had time to discuss how many folks get so exhausted with name remixes that they learn to accept names that aren't what they prefer.

Or worse-- isn't even THEIRS.

Me: "How do I pronounce your name?"
Them: "Oh, it's ok. I answer to anything close."

Sigh.

7/
So let's do this. Let's kick of this academic off year just right by committing to the, yes, #antiracist act of respecting names.

I'll go first.

Oh--and before I do, know that this ISN'T directed at anyone. Just at us all who are earnestly trying to #dothework.

Mmkay?

8/
Ready?

1. My name is Kimberly Manning.
2. It is pronounced Kimberly Manning.
3. I prefer to be called "Kimberly." (In front of patients and by trainees I prefer to be called Dr. Manning.)
4. I'd actually prefer you not call me "Kim." (Especially on formal/written things.)

9/
Okay. I'm certain someone is seeing this thinking, "Kimberly?! OMG!"

But see? That's why we are doing this!

Might I offer this insight?

1. Pay attention to how people introduce and refer to themselves.
2. Note the name they sign emails with.

That's often a clue.

10/
Here's another pro-tip:

Some preferences depend on circumstances and who you are.

For example:

As a Black woman with my lived experiences, I prefer formality with learners. (Not my first name.) I do understand the wish for flattened hierarchies.

I've also lived as me.

11/
That DOES NOT mean every person feels that way. Nope.

If I had time, I'd discuss how some get an AUTOMATIC formal name/title default and some don't.

Mmm hmm.

Look, man. I just want folks to recognize that even in using NAMES there is #privilege that must be acknowledged.

12/
And no--nobody is perfect. I've been guilty, too.

But now? I consciously TRY at names. Even though I fall short sometimes, I work hard until I get it right.

And so.

PLEASE. Tell me your preferred name. And how to say it.

And I will.

#dothework
#KnowBetterDoBetter