A recent discussion on TikTok highlighted the debate surrounding how women in politics should be addressed, specifically emphasizing that Kamala Harris should be referred to by her last name, similar to male politicians. The creator of the TikTok pointed out that women in various fields often have their first names used more frequently than their male counterparts.
In politics, for example, Hillary Clinton is commonly referred to simply as “Hillary,” while in literature, Jane Austen is compared to male authors like Dickens. Scientific figures such as Marie Curie often see their first names used alongside their last names, unlike their male peers.
A 2022 Mayo Clinic study indicated that female doctors are twice as likely to be called by their first names compared to male doctors. Additionally, research from Cornell University in 2018 revealed that college students were 56% more likely to refer to male professors by their last names than female professors.
Stav Atir, who holds a doctoral degree in social psychology from Cornell, pointed out that the preference for first or last name usage reflects gender stereotypes. Women are often seen as more approachable but lower in status, while men are regarded as more competent and less familiar.
The TikTok user argued that addressing women by their first names diminishes their power and infantilizes them, but the author of this piece expressed a personal preference for being known by her first name. She noted that even Kamala Harris encourages reporters to call her Kamala.
Reflecting on her own journey through name changes, the author shared her experience of adopting her father’s last name at birth, her first husband’s last name upon marriage, and her decision to take her most recent husband’s last name. Now, she proudly identifies as AnnaMarie Kruse.
The author and her husband, Sam Kruse, celebrated their marriage with friends in a private ceremony and a small celebration at the park where they got engaged. Although she acknowledges the tradition behind last names, she expressed a stronger connection to her first name, AnnaMarie, which has received compliments for its unique spelling.
With her new last name, she hopes her work will showcase her identity beyond merely being identified by her father’s or husband’s surname. Despite the conventional requirements of her profession, she looks forward to writing under her official name, AnnaMarie Kruse, reflecting her individuality and excitement over her new identity.