The Hidden Inequities of Gender-Biased Names

The Hidden Inequities of Gender-Biased Names

Names have no intrinsic value but serve to identify people, differentiate among them, and sometimes make them feel bizarre or alienated. Within Hinduism in the realm of Advaita Vedanta and Yoga, the concept of Brahman and Atman suggests that all human beings are equal and represent the sole reality, which indicates that we are fundamentally the same. The theory that the name holds has no significance; it is just a myth humans created. The name or anything else must not identify the living creatures but Atman. Human being identity should be rooted in Atman, not in names or labels. However, this name-game disparity leads to people feeling vulnerable and unequal.

Neeraj was also a victim of this name game. Neeraj’s experience exemplifies the complication. Neeraj is an unambiguous and predominantly male first name; somehow, this name is mainly used for males in India. However, Neeraj is a gender-fluid name that clears the clouds of confusion. Gender-fluid can be understood by using colors like pink and blue to represent femininity and masculinity. On the contrary, purple embodies both.

In India, inequality manifests in infinite ways, and many people witness it. Unfair treatment merely because of the name is another facet of inequality in India. Names are often categorized as unisex, neutral, female, or male, and this leads to social disparity and unfair treatment.