This is a story of a PHB
(a Pointy Haired Boss)
This PHB hasn’t worked here for a couple of years so I feel fairly safe talking about her here. This story gives the phrase “Ugly American” all that much more meaning.
Many IT departments seem to have at least one person of Indian heritage (No, not Native Americans, people who come from or who’s ancestors come from India) I’m not sure why, it just is. We were blessed, about five years ago, with an easygoingand very friendly guy by the name of Paul. That is what was on his badge “Paul.” But when we sent him email it went to “Preetinder.” We thought nothing of it, figuring that he prefers Paul.
A couple of days ago Bryan Asked Paul about his “American” name. Just out of curiosity, mind you.
When Paul/Preetinder arrived in our IT department he had lived in the US for about three years. He spoke English very well, there were no problems understanding him. Actually one person did have a problem, our very own PHB.
For whatever reason the PHB was having a hard time pronouncing Paul/Preetinder’s name. (Perhaps another example of her PHB-ness) so out of the blue she just told Preetinder, “I’m having a hard time pronouncing your name, I’ll just call you Paul.”
I mean how hard REALLY is it to say “Preetinder.” Last I looked it was real close to a common English word “Pretender“
So to this day Preetinder’s badge says “Paul” and even after Paul/Preetinder told us this story it is still OK to call him Paul. So in protest/sympathy we have all adopted Indian names. Paul seems to be amused and happy about this turn events and show of sympathy.
I even talked someone into making me a new badge to celebrate my new Indian name. Note that in fairness I didn’t pick the name.
Originally posted before I added WordPress to this site. Published date is approximate.