| Abstrakt: |
The article discusses the theme of names and name changing in Monica Sone's book "Nisei Daughter." It explores how Sone, an American-born child of Japanese immigrants, transitioned from being known as Kazuko to Monica during the war years. The author argues that this name change represents a compromise and concession to the Euro-American majority, highlighting the authority they hold in determining American identity. The article also discusses the significance of names in communicating personal and group identity, as well as the reasons why immigrants and their children often change their names. It further examines the questions of ethnicity, race, and American identity that arise in Sone's text. The text explores the complex history of immigration and assimilation in the United States, highlighting the early prioritization of economic and political needs over concerns about ethnicity, language, and ideology. However, as immigration increased and shifted towards eastern and southern Europe, ethnicity became a more important factor in American identity. The text also discusses the exclusionary measures taken against non-white immigrants, particularly Asians, and the pressure for immigrants to adopt Anglo-Protestant norms and names. The transition from Kazuko to Monica in the author's own life is seen as a reflection of the pressures towards Anglo-conformity during wartime. The text also explores the issue of name pronunciation and identity in Monica Sone's autobiography, "Nisei Daughter." It highlights incidents where Sone's Japanese name, Kazuko, was mispronounced or Anglicized by teachers and others, suggesting [Extracted from the article] |
