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The original was posted on /r/amitheasshole by /u/throwaway_786429 on 2024-01-24 06:23:57+00:00.
Background: My parents gave me a Japanese middle name. We are not Japanese. They simply heard the name in a show/movie (they can’t remember which one, I’ve asked), and since they liked the meaning and the way it sounded, it became my middle name. My whole childhood and adult life it was never an issue, until now.
A few days ago, my friend Brian invited me and a few others to his apartment for a game night. Among them was his friend Lila, who I’d only met a few times.
We were all talking and at one point, the topic of middle names came up. Someone asked about mine and I told them. Lila heard and asked if I was Japanese. When I said no she got upset saying the name is cultural appropriation and I should change it. I said I like my name and don’t want to change it. This upset her even more and she told me I’d be racist if I didn’t.
At this point one of our friends stepped in and changed the subject, but Lila was still upset and avoided me afterwards.
I‘ve always liked my name, and I’ve had it my whole life so I really don’t want to change it. Plus, it’s my middle name so it rarely ever comes up since I go by my first name. However, I am not Japanese so I can see why people would be confused or upset by it. This is the first time someone’s had such a negative reaction, and I’m having mixed feeling.
So, AITA for not wanting to change my middle name?