Manuel Munoz "leave your name at the border" and Maya Angelou "Whats your name girl" Discuss the importance of names as it relates and shapes identity. Compare and contrast these two works and how each contributes whether negatively or positively to how ones name is indicative of how an individual views oneself.

- I know the importance of names in Maya Angelou's "whats your name girl" was imperative to Margaret. Since slaves were known to have their names altered for their owners convenience. Maya disagreed to this and feared to be called by another name that was not hers. She was proud of her name and was not going to let anyone change it even if it mean doing a rebellious act such as breaking her owners china.
- For Manuel Munoz "Leave your name at the border" At first he doesn't really mind having his named changed, altered to the "english way". He already feels he doesn't quite fit in and if saying it the "english" way he felt like he fit in. He notices through out time American names begin to dominate through his family but he understands it is done to make it easier for the children with American names. But towards the end he realizes he does like his name and is what makes him who he is.

I need help with Comparing and contrasting these two works and how each contributes whether negatively or positively to how ones name is indicative of how an individual views oneself.

please help me outline my 3 main points to compare and contrast

It would seem the contrast is that one character thinks it's okay to change his name at first, while the other does not. One rebels, the other does not. The comparison is that both end up with the same idea, that one's name has value. Why does it have value? You have already identified that. To outline it, separate your thoughts into three main points. The sub-points are the evidence for each of the main points. You can do it. The last main point is your conclusion. Are or are not names (real names) important? What do these authors think?

Sure! Here are three main points you can use to compare and contrast the works of Manuel Munoz and Maya Angelou regarding the importance of names and their impact on an individual's self-perception:

1. Initial Attitude towards Name Changes:
- In Maya Angelou's "What's Your Name Girl," the protagonist resists having her name changed, as it represents her identity and she refuses to conform to the expectations imposed by others.
- In Manuel Munoz's "Leave Your Name at the Border," the author initially does not mind having his name changed, as it helps him assimilate into American society and feel a sense of belonging.

2. Perception of Name's Significance:
- Angelou perceives her name as a powerful symbol of her individuality and heritage. She believes that altering or erasing her name would diminish her sense of self-worth and contribute negatively to her identity.
- Munoz, initially indifferent to his name change, later realizes that his name carries personal significance and connects him to his cultural heritage. He understands that his name is indicative of his identity and wishes to honor it.

3. Evolution of Self-Perception:
- Angelou's refusal to have her name changed signifies her assertiveness and rebellion against the dehumanizing practices of slavery. Her pride in her name empowers her and helps shape her strong sense of self as she fights for her identity.
- Munoz's changing perception of his name reflects his journey towards understanding and appreciating his cultural roots. It shows how embracing his name contributes positively to his self-perception and strengthens his connection to his heritage.

Note: These main points are just suggestions to get you started. You can expand on each point by providing specific examples, quotes, or anecdotes from both texts to support your analysis.

To compare and contrast the importance of names in Maya Angelou's "Whats your name girl" and Manuel Munoz's "Leave your name at the border" and how they contribute to how individuals view themselves, you can focus on the following three main points:

1. Personal Empowerment and Identity:
- In Maya Angelou's work, the protagonist, Margaret, takes a defiant stance against having her name changed by her owners. She strongly believes that her name is an integral part of her identity, representing her heritage and individuality, and refuses to succumb to the erasure of her identity. This reflects a positive view of one's name, as it empowers the individual and reinforces their sense of self.
- On the other hand, in Manuel Munoz's work, initially, the author is more accepting of having his name changed to fit in with the English-speaking society. He assimilates his name to an Americanized version, suggesting a willingness to compromise his identity for social acceptance. However, over time, he realizes the importance of his name and how it connects him to his cultural roots, leading to a more positive view of his name and a stronger sense of identity.

2. Cultural Heritage and Belonging:
- In "Whats your name girl," Maya Angelou highlights the historical context of African American slaves having their names forcibly changed by their owners. By refusing to accept a name imposed by others, the protagonist asserts her connection to her African heritage and her sense of belonging to a lineage of proud people. This contributes positively to how her name shapes her identity by reinforcing her cultural roots.
- In "Leave your name at the border," the author experiences a shift from the Mexican name tradition to embracing Americanized names within his family. Initially, this change might be seen as distancing him from his cultural heritage. However, as he acknowledges the practicality of American names for future generations, the negative aspect of losing cultural identity through a name change becomes less prominent. This negotiation reflects how individuals view their names as a connection to their past and also as a means to adapt and belong in different societies.

3. External Perceptions and Stereotypes:
- In "Whats your name girl," the protagonist's refusal to accept a name change challenges the oppressive practices of slavery, demonstrating how names can be used as a tool of control and degradation. This contributes negatively to how one's name shapes identity, as it reveals the power dynamics and prejudice associated with names in a historical context.
- In "Leave your name at the border," although initially seeing value in adopting American names to fit in, the author realizes that conforming to an English-sounding name does not eliminate stereotypes or biases. It highlights the limited impact an altered name has on how others perceive and treat an individual, concluding that one's true identity goes beyond a name.

By discussing these three main points in your essay, you can compare and contrast Maya Angelou's and Manuel Munoz's perspectives on names and how they contribute to individuals' views of themselves, considering both positive and negative aspects.