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To Stand Out or to Blend In
To Stand Out or to Blend In
by Matthew Wong
Growing up as a Chinese American in a predominantly Caucasian area was quite a challenge when it came to identity. Outside my family, I knew no one who shared my same culture, beliefs, or even looks, all leaving me feeling alienated growing up. However, the one thing I had was my name, Matthew. That’s when I blended in with everyone else. Looking back on the progression of my identity, I have come to realize how big of an impact a name can have.
The name Matthew is consistently one of the most popular men’s names every year, as per the Social Security Administration. The name originated from the Hebrew name “Mattityahu” and translates to “gift of God.” In the New Testament of the Bible, Matthew is one of Jesus Christ’s apostles. The apostle Matthew from the Bible was a very upstanding person, fascinated with the teachings of Jesus (Garcia). Although I am not religious, I try my best to uphold his values of humility and righteousness and live up to the title of “gift of God.”
When I was growing up, I believe my name was definitely an important factor in minimizing the amount of teasing I endured and even helped me make friends. A more Chinese name, for example, would have only increased the amount of name-calling I had to deal with. Now that I have matured and am confident in myself, I feel that going by a different name would fit me better and bring me closer to my culture. One name I could go by is my actual Chinese name: 裕仁 (Yùrén). Given to me by my grandmother, this name holds a special place in my heart, and I feel that it will bring me closer to my culture. The direct translation of Yùrén means “abundant kindness,” and I feel that the name accurately represents me, as kindness is one of my core values.
Something as simple as a name can suggest so many things about a person, whether they want it to or not. My name, Matthew, is one of the most common names, and it makes me feel like it limits my individuality. I think of myself as someone who tends to do their own thing and pays little attention to what others think about me. Whether that be baking, playing chess, or collecting cologne, I do these things because I enjoy them, not because I want others to think of me differently. In other words, sticking out from the crowd is fine by me. I respect my parents’ decision to name me Matthew, but something more special would add so much more to my individuality and allow me to express who I truly am.
Works Cited
“Baby Names.” Social Security Administration, www.ssa.gov/oact/babynames/. Accessed 11 Feb. 2024.
Garcia, Elena. “Spiritual Meaning Of The Name Matthew.” Spiritual Realm, spritualrealm.org/spiritual-meaning-of-the-name-matthew/. Accessed 11 Feb. 20
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