Gogol struggles as a
first-generation American of Indian background. Although his parents had him in America and he was raised in America, he still struggled to find an American identity and where he belonged. Gogol could not even stand his name, changing it to Nikhil to become more Americanized. In Mcleod, hybridization is talked about as a same but different place, " Borders are important thresholds, full of contradiction and ambivalence. They both separate and join different places" (251). The part in the Namesake when Gogol's parents come to visit him in New York City while he attends Yale, is a perfect example of hybridization. His parents are in New York and living the American way, visiting tourist spots, however when it comes down to it they just want to go back to their Indian ways. When Gogol is staying at Maxine's parents house and they have the house to themselves he uses hybridization and lives like an American boy, yet he still has stuff to learn. Like the part in the book at a dinner when he learns " one does not grate Parmesan cheese over pasta dishes containing seafood" (137). He still learns more everyday about an American lifestyle. It is seen again when Gogol's mother makes him call up Moushumi, although he is American and this is far from an arranged marriage, it has the same feel. A set up with a girl from their same culture, can be seen as step back from hybridization. Overall this whole book is comparable to Mcleod's idea of hybridization. Gogol is the perfect candidate pushing the boarder to the limit and trying to bring one lifestyle together with another.
It’s somewhat tough to believe that a guy known for losing his temper would change his name to World Peace. Ron Artest, now with the LA Lakers, has been recognized as one of the NBA’s top defenders for quite a while now. Unfortunately he’s also known for kicking things during games and he once destroyed a TV camera.
Yes this kid's name is Brfxxccxxmnpcccclllmmnprxvclmnckssqlbb11116
Although Gogol changes his name to Nikhil to become more Americanized,
some change their names just because they want a new name. Some change their
names for comical reasons and pick last names like "World Peace". Others change
their names because they want to take a new last name for reasons of divorce and
getting married. No matter what, people are enjoying name changes just like in
The Namesake! The kid named Brfxxccxxmnpcccclllmmnprxvclmnckssqlbb11116, will most likely change his name like Gogol did when he is older. This could become complicated when at the age in school where you take standardized tests!
