This document discusses the challenges faced by individuals with ethnic names in employment and education. It notes that names communicate identity and heritage. Names that are difficult to pronounce for those of other cultures or have sounds not found in English can put ethnic minorities at a disadvantage. The presenter, Chaim Shapiro, shares his own experiences growing up with a Hebrew name that is challenging for non-Hebrew speakers to pronounce correctly. He discusses how names influence perceptions and assumptions and how name discrimination can negatively impact career and academic opportunities. The presentation argues that diversity and inclusion in the workplace requires making an effort to learn and properly use the names of those from different cultures and backgrounds.

1. Growing Up Chaim: The Impact of Ethnic
Names On Employment & Education
Presented by: Chaim Shapiro-Touro College

2. Say It With Me…Chaim
• The “Ch” sound doesn't occur in English-
• Common issue in languages
o Challenge phrase on D-Day-Welcome/Welcome or
Flash/Thunder
o “W” sound and “Th” sound
o Band of Brothers story
• L’Chaim-like the toast?

3. Say It With Me…Chaim (Cont)
• I still don’t get it? “Chain”?
• Chaim Vs Nechama
o Which would you more likely attempt?
o Nechama vs Nekama-close but VERY different
• Other Hebrew letters: “Tz” as in Tzvi

4. Barack Obama
Vs
Chaim Shapiro
• Recognizable vs unrecognizable
• Pronounceable vs non-pronounceable

5. This is NOT just a Jewish challenge
• This is NOT an all inclusive list
• Ethnic African American names
• Asian names
• Muslim names
• Latino names
• Native American names
• Where the Street Has No Name

6. What Is In A Name?
EVERYTHING
• Identity
o The MOST fundamental part of our identity
o My name-right or...wrong?
• Pride
• Heritage

7. Sticks and Stones May Break My
Bones BUT Names…
• Names in traditional Judaism
o Named for relatives
o Which name shall we use?
o Divinely ordained?
o Calling an audible
o How I got my full name

8. Zorach
• Come again? Zorach
o Unusual even among Orthodox Jews
o So rare that It is ACTUALLY the wrong name!
o LinkedIn Search: “Chaim” 10 K: “Zorach” 447

9. Growing Up Chaim
• VERY aware people can’t pronounce it
o At the circus-6 years old
o Blech…aim
o Assume they can’t
o Apologizing for your name
o Frustration
o I KNOW they are trying

10. The Curious Case of Greg Button
• I changed the student’s name for this
presentation
• Chassidic student-full Chassidic garb
• Internal Vs External names
• The impact of the Holocaust
• Little ditty about Jack and Eileen

11. Changing Your Name
• I see this all the time at Touro
• Is this a betrayal?
• Will I be discriminated against?
• Will they make assumptions about me?
• What about “Bob”?
• Talk radio caller “Brian”

12. Does this REALLY matter?
• Warren Wilson Story-Society is changing
• We are not there yet
• Is there privilege in a name?
• I’m trying…
o Conference name badges
o Apologizing when they try
o NACE14 Video

13. You said what?
• Turning on Telemarketers
• Tonight Is Going To Be a Good Night-L’Chaim
• Chaim Zorach Shapiro- Life shines beautifully?
• Name withheld by request
• Grad School paper presentations
o APA Format
o ZORACH-Its Klingon
o Isn’t that more of a Romulan name?

14. Relative Comfort Level
• I’ve given up, BUT I work in a very accepting
profession
• Venturing out for the first time
• Come ON already
• R E S P E C T

15. What Can We Do As Professionals?
• Avoid the Warren Wilson mistake
• Ask if you are not sure
• Try again
• Ask “is this right”
• Their apology shouldn’t be your excuse
• Work on it
• Apologize if you have to

16. Contact Me
• Chaim.shapiro@touro.edu ;
chaimshapiro@gmail.com
• 718-535-9375
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/chaimshapiro/
• @ChaimShapiro on Twitter

17. This Presentation is SHRM-Certified
The Eastern Association of Colleges
and Employers (EACE) is recognized
by SHRM to offer Professional
Development Credits (PDCs) for the
SHRM-CPSM or SHRM-SCPSM. Please
record the activity ID below for self-
reporting.
This presentation, Activity ID 21-G9JSG is valid for 1.00 PDC for
the SHRM-CPSM or SHRM SCPSM. For more information about
certification or recertification, please visit www.shrmcertification.org.