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My name became known because I was, one might say accidentally the target of state repression and because so many people throughout the country and other parts of the world organized around the demand for my freedom.

It was a mistake to think that my views would have been taken on their own terms. It was a mistake to think that my last name wouldn't be a factor.

I can't believe that people actually know my first and last name. I think it's really, really, gosh-darn neat.

I would have changed my last name if being famous were my goal.

I'm convinced that had I not changed my name, I don't think I would have had quite the same career curve that I eventually had.

I don't understand why people don't remember my name.

I know my name gets used illegally all the time all over the internet. You know, it is a trademarked name, so it will be something that we always have to deal with. I never needed to change it. It was always fine with me. It is a strange name; that's for sure.

I don't tell many people my last name.

My name at birth was Carol Joan Klein. It would take me five decades to appreciate my surname and the history that came with it. Along the way, I would add an 'e' to Carol and acquire several more surnames.