I think I have addressed the topic previously that boy children are preferred over girls. Boys are thought to be better for taking over family businesses...and the family doesn't have to come up with a dowry before marriage. This desire to have a baby boy results in abortions & murders of baby girls.
A disturbing trend was discovered in a small city within the Indian state that we live in. People were naming their daughters Nakushi or Nakusha. Both of these names literally translate to Unwanted. Many of the families claim that the girls are not really "unwanted," but there is a belief that if you name your child "unwanted" that your next child would be a boy.
The state found over 200 girls in this small city with this name...ranging in age from 11 months old to 18 years old!! Last week they were given the opportunity to change their names. If the girls were old enough, they could choose their own name...several choosing the name of a current actress in India.
Most of the girl's families were very excited about this opportunity to change the name - a name that was leading to teasing at school & of course crying at home. The stories of these girls that I read in the newspaper were very touching. In the quotes from the girls, you could hear the excitement about the difference this would make in their lives. Some of their friends helped them pick their names. It is really like a new beginning.
Most of these daughters came from low income homes, but there was at least one story of a "Nakushi" from a famiy with money.
It was shocking for me to read that such a superstition can exist...but then again, I think I've heard that western men wear socks or even rubber rain shoes while having sex to produce a boy. Superstitions are everywhere - I just hope that there are not too many that have lasting painful results such as naming a girl "unwanted"
A disturbing trend was discovered in a small city within the Indian state that we live in. People were naming their daughters Nakushi or Nakusha. Both of these names literally translate to Unwanted. Many of the families claim that the girls are not really "unwanted," but there is a belief that if you name your child "unwanted" that your next child would be a boy.
The state found over 200 girls in this small city with this name...ranging in age from 11 months old to 18 years old!! Last week they were given the opportunity to change their names. If the girls were old enough, they could choose their own name...several choosing the name of a current actress in India.
Most of the girl's families were very excited about this opportunity to change the name - a name that was leading to teasing at school & of course crying at home. The stories of these girls that I read in the newspaper were very touching. In the quotes from the girls, you could hear the excitement about the difference this would make in their lives. Some of their friends helped them pick their names. It is really like a new beginning.
Most of these daughters came from low income homes, but there was at least one story of a "Nakushi" from a famiy with money.
It was shocking for me to read that such a superstition can exist...but then again, I think I've heard that western men wear socks or even rubber rain shoes while having sex to produce a boy. Superstitions are everywhere - I just hope that there are not too many that have lasting painful results such as naming a girl "unwanted"
Oh my what a sad story. I am the proud parent of two beautiful and intelligent daughters. All my children were wonderful gifts.
ReplyDeleteVery sad...the damage we do to our children. For them it is a name for my kids it is acting like a weirdo in front of their friends :)
ReplyDeleteWhat was the actress name they chose?
-Brooke