A recent TikTok discussion raised the point that women in politics, like Kamala Harris, should be referred to by their last names, similar to how male politicians are addressed. The argument highlights a broader trend where women’s first names are often used more frequently than their last names across various fields, including literature and science.
For instance, women authors like Jane Austen are commonly referred to by their first names, unlike their male counterparts such as Charles Dickens. A 2022 study by the Mayo Clinic found that female doctors were twice as likely to be called by their first names compared to male doctors. Similarly, a 2018 report from Cornell University revealed that college students were 56% more likely to address male professors by their last names compared to female professors.
Stav Atir, a social psychologist from Cornell, noted that the preference for first names can reinforce gender stereotypes, portraying women as more approachable yet lower in status, while men are often viewed as more competent.
The TikTok user suggested that referring to women by their first names diminishes their authority and infantilizes them. However, upon reflection, the author of the piece expresses a preference for being known by her first name. She shares her personal journey of name changes, including her initial last name from her father and subsequent surnames from her husbands. She embraces her new identity as AnnaMarie Kruse, reveling in both her unique first name and her new last name after her recent marriage.
The author reflects on how none of these last names truly define her strength as a woman. She appreciates her first name, AnnaMarie, which has received many compliments for its uniqueness. She introduces herself with humor, boasting that she has two first names and has taught her daughter to do the same.
While the author acknowledges the necessity of an official name in her profession, she affirms her identity as AnnaMarie Kruse and looks forward to sharing her work under this name. She expresses a desire to be known simply as AnnaMarie, celebrating the idea that her identity encompasses more than just the last names associated with her.
Ultimately, she hopes to embody a sense of individuality and strength, akin to icon figures like Cher or Madonna, where a last name becomes less significant in defining who they are.