What's in a name?

Chloe
Greek meaning:  Green shoot. Fresh blooming.
Borne by Demeter, Greek goddess of agriculture.

I asked my mother why she named me Chloe, and she told me it was because that is the name of her favorite perfume, and it is also a name found in the bible - a definite box on her checklist for her children's names.  Personally, I do not believe that I am characterized by the various meanings of my name.  However, I do believe that my name has shaped who I am just based on what people call me. Whether they call me "Chloe", "Chlo", "Chlo-bot" or anything else, my own view of my name is the only thing that I believe effects me.  What's in my name to me?  I think my name has a fun, bubbly characteristic which I also think reflects my personality.  Perhaps if I had a different name, I would have a different personality.  I also see my name as somewhat unique, which makes me feel special and individual.  Do I think perfume or agriculture have any significant meaning in my life? No.  But what others may correlate with my name might effect how they view me.

I am constantly a part of two.  I am myself, yet I am also a part of various groups such as Millbrook High School, the IB program, eNeRGy gymnastics team, Grace Youth Ministy, etc.  One that I would focus on that poses a dilemma is being myself while also being a part of the IB program.  I feel like when people think of IB kids, they see nerdy, slightly arrogant students.  I do not believe this is true about myself or any other IB candidates at Millbrook.  Despite my view, others may still have their prejudices.  People will constantly say "Oh, you're in IB?" in a negative tone of voice because they think that means something completely different than simply being in the IB program.  I really don't like when people characterize me in that way, and it gives me compassion to those who are characterized by things in their lives.  I want to be thought of as an individual, not as part of a larger group.  While I am an IB candidate, I am also Chloe.  Green shoot.  Fresh blooming. :)

Wing Young Huie Response

Wing Young Huie - Waitress, The Diner, Lake Street USA (1997 - 2000)
URL:  http://tmblr.co/ZYwbvwO3YU8U

Waitress, The Diner by Wing Young Huie was published from 1997-2000 in Lake Street, USA.  Upon the first glance at this picture, it is obvious to see an older woman who works as a waitress at a seemingly old-time diner.  It can be observed that this woman is elderly based on her white-gray colored hair and hairstyle.  However, upon closer examination, it can be observed that this woman appears to be sad.  This is noticeable due to her body language of her head tilting down and not facing the camera.  In addition, the black and white color choice of this photograph may be construed to have the purpose of an older picture effect or to create a somber mood on the audience.

Wing Young Huie and Margaret Atwood present the concept of "othering" (classifying a group or an individual as different from oneself) in distinct ways.  For the image Waitress, The Diner, "othering" is shown by the subject's physical characteristics as well as the background details.  The woman looking away from the camera expresses her removal from the cohesion of a group or society whether it be her choice or others choosing to view her as separate from them.  In the back of the photograph it is shown that there is no one surrounding the woman, which can be viewed as Huie's choice to portray the woman as lonely or disparate from others. 

This contrasts Atwood's portrayal of "othering" greatly due to the difference in format of approach.  Whereas Huie's approach was a photograph, Atwood's is a dystopian fiction novel.  Within her book, The Handmaid's Tale, the main character, Offred, is presented as socially isolated by the new society of Gilead.  The limitations placed on Offred and the other Handmaids' actions such as not being allowed to read or write, force them into a life where they are only truly able to interact freely in their minds.  This is Atwood's way of presenting the "othering" of Offred by her society as she has no way of connecting with a group of people.