This headline isn’t a joke.  A state representative for Texas actually proposed during House testimony on voter identification legislation, “Rather than everyone here having to learn Chinese — I understand it’s a rather difficult language — do you think that it would behoove you and your citizens [Chinese] to adopt a name that we could deal with more readily here?”  As a person of ethnic heritage, although I have assimilated to the American culture, it’s completely appalling that she could make such an ignorant statement.  Last names have been what carries on a family’s tradition for thousands of years now.  There have been numerous times in the past that have been documented as prejudiced movements where immigrants have been forced to change their name when entering the U.S.  Did Betty Brown fail her history class?  Is she this ignorant?

It’s so disheartening to the movement for equality amongst all who live, work, and are the very lifeline to our struggling economy.  The South already has issues to deal with in escaping the stereotype for being racist.  It’s ignorant comments like these by public officials that reopen the wound making it easy for people to scorn at.  When approached by the Organization of Chinese Americans, Brown replied, “Can’t you see that this is something that would make it a lot easier for you and the people who are poll workers if you could adopt a name just for identification purposes that’s easier for Americans to deal with?”  She refused calls out by people to apologize for her statements.

What’s next?  Mexicans changing their names so it’s easier for American to deal with?  Japanese?  Russians?  The list goes on.  This is a country that prides itself on being a big melting pot.  We are proud of the different cultures that are represented…probably more than any country in the world.  It’s just a shame that ignorant people like Betty Brown can make one stupid statement and tarnish the “American Way.”  I just hope she comes to her senses and realized the stupidity in her statement and apologizes for it.