Somebody transcripted the video and posted it in the comments:
Hello, I'm Prudence. Today's letter is about a middle-aged Twilight fanboy.
Dear Prudence,
I have a long-time friend who's an immigrant from South America who's made a successful life in the United States. He recently decided to become a US citizen, and was given the opportunity to change his name through the application process and he decided he would like to be called Edward after the teenage vampire character in the Twilight movie. I told him that he was a fool for even admitting that he'd seen Twilight, much less identifying with the character in this ridiculous movie so deeply that he wanted to change his name. He claims that he identifies with being an outcast, and wants a new name to begin his new life, despite having lived in the United States a dozen years. I've lost a lot of respect for the 35 year-old professional that I used to admire, and I'm starting to question his judgement and fear that I can't continue to be friends with him. Any advice?
Signed,
Edward My Foot
You should be grateful your friend is not a big fan of Beavis and Butthead or Spongebob Squarepants. When the Twilight movie first came out, I offered to go to this living dead film with my teenage daughter. She considered that proposal living hell, so I've never seen the movies but to me, your friend's reaction is a testament to the power of art no matter how schlocky. Beyond that, stop being such a supersilious twit. You should be celebrating your friend's great accomplishment and welcoming him into the American fold. If you can't stand to think of Twilight when you use his new name, just consider him Edward, as in Hopper or Murrow. ------
I agree with Dear Prudence, what is it to the OP if the guy decides to be called after a fictional character? I can understand that she dislikes the Twilight books/movies, but to judge someone so harshly because he has different likes and dislikes than her seems over the top to me.
Also if OP decides to stop being friends with Edward I think Edward will be better off not having such a snob and judging friend.
I agree, Des. I do think it's pretty ridiculous - but Edward is by no means an unusual name. And since he's changing his name anyway, go for it. Now, if this guy was having to go out of his way to change his name to do this, I'd think it was pretty weird.
Although it would be hard to get used to calling someone one knows well by a new name, it is his choice to be called whatever he likes. Edward is a much better choice than what some people pick for new names.
