"Tajik President Outlaws Slavic Endings on Names" (3/28/07 p. A10)

I find it so interesting, sometimes ridiculous how rulers of other countries can come up with laws that would be laughed at in the United States. The following article is something that isn't necessarily unethical to the countries that are adopting these laws, however, from my perspective in the United States, I think how unethical it would be if these laws were adapted here.

The president of Tajikistan announced recently that his country would be removing traces of Soviet influence. As a result he dropped the Slavic "ov" from the end of his surname and that, henceforth, the same must be done for all babies born to Tajik parents. This just seems so unreal to me. 'Ski' is a popular ending to last names in the United States (of course, they descended from another country) imagine George Bush announcing that all last names ending in 'ski' must drop it from their name?

According to The Times, most Tajiks added a Slavic ending to their surname when the country came under Soviet rule early in the last century.

The president, Emomali Rakhmon (formerly Rakhmonov) didn't stop there. He also banned certain school holidays and traditions associated with the Soviet period, including a holiday known as ABC Book Day, when toddlers gather around a circle to read aloud. This of course, seems very unethical to deprive youngsters of such a holiday they most likely look forward to and benefit greatly from when it comes to their budding education.

Rakhmon also ordered that all university students to leave cell phones and cars at home, saying they distracted from academic study. As an American university student, I know that such a law like that on our soil wouldn't even begin to be taken seriously.

The article touched on a Tajik citizen's point of view. Shamsiyna Ofaridyeza said she was more supportive of the ban on students driving cars and using cell phones. "Students are not studying," she said. "They are too busy sitting on their chars showing off. But you know, we are a democratic people, and everyone should be able to name his baby what he wants."

All I know is, I'm proud to be an American where my last name is what it is and I can talk on my cell phone all I want. This article just made me realize how different our ethics and cultures really are.

Article by: Ilan Greenberg