Name Paralysis, 2023

30 p., 6” x 6”, staple bound, ink jet printed

I was named after Maitreya, the “future buddha.” My family is white, and though my parents are very self-aware of this disparity and deeply respect buddhist cultures, as I grow older I understand more how my name falls into the realm of cultural appropriation. I use this zine to explore what it means to have my name as a white woman.