Do you like to be called Mr.-Madam?🤔.
Edited using text on photos
Warm greetings to @pandora2010 and also to other Steemit friends. It's a privilege to share my understanding and perspectives about one of the most commonly used words (sir and ma'am). Special applause to the contest organizer. Follow me below as I explore the topic based on my view.
To me, the words sir and ma'am are words used to address a man and woman respectively in a formal or professional setting. Although the word sir was derived from an old English "sire", which literally means lord or father. But now it has changed to a word that's being used to show respect, honor, and dignity.
There are times we find ourselves around people that we either don't know their names or we don't feel comfortable addressing them by their names. In such cases, we prefer to take advantage of the words sir or ma'am to address them. It signifies respect and dignity towards them.
In my life journey so far, I'm opportune to come across different people with different characters. Some demand and even try to force respect on them self by feeling disrespected when addressed by their names, especially by people below their age. While some people don't care about the title you attach to their names.
Talking about myself, I'm not a guy that cares about being called sir. Sincerely speaking, I prefer to be addressed by my name. The reason, I don't find it disrespectful when addressed with Christopher. I remember back then when I was undergoing my teaching practice, it was in the culture of the school that when a teacher came into a class, the students were expected to stand on their feet to say either good morning or good afternoon sir...
Even though it was the standard, I decided to go the other way. I asked the students not to stand up for me, rather, they should remain calm and silent on their respective sits. All the people in the compound where I am currently residing calls me Sir Chris. I don't know their reasons for addressing me that way, and I have not complained or show any sign of dissatisfaction but the truth is I don't cherish it that much. Nevertheless, I'm not against it. It's okay if you call me sir, it's also okay by me if you address me by my name.
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It will be an error on my side to think that calling or addressing someone as sir or ma'am is a sign that the person is old. The reason is there are many people who are almost my age yet, I address them as sir. This comes either on the bases of me not knowing their names or base on the position that life has placed them. You and I knows that even if it's our younger brother or sister that God has placed in a position above us, there is a certain level of respect that we would give in respect to that his or her position.
Moreover, I'm still in my twenties but I can't mention the number of people that address me as Sir. To me, sir or ma'am are words we enjoy when addressing people we respect. Although it's not bad if we use it to address elderly people. The reason is, here in Africa, it is a sign of disrespect to call an elderly person by his name without any title attached. Take for instance, you don't expect me to meet @patjewell today and just address her by her name without adding ma'am to it.
Life has placed people in different positions. Some are Governors, and we call them by His or her excellency. Some are directors in their organization, and we address them as director. While some are head of department, and we address them as H.O.D. There are many position that people have occupied and in most cases we use the respect of such position to address them. Today we address some people as doctor, engineer, Barrister, and many more.
The challenge comes when someone is not in any position that can be used to address him or her. In such case, I believe there is no other word we can use to them rather than sir or ma'am. Nevertheless, I don't see it wrong if they are being addressed by their names. But is the person happens to be our age grade, it won't be wrong to call the person as sister or brother some people also use uncle or Aunty. I raise my case.
I now invite @josepha, @simonnwigwe and @ruthjoe to participate.
Thank you, friend!
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You are so right, here in Africa, we are very polite.
We know how to address people in the right manner.
It makes me feel good when I do.
I must admit that here on Steemit, I am so surprised by the way people address you. It is always with respect, and it is awesome!
I am so glad that the world of technology has not taken that away from us. Well.. not yet.
Its true that technology is yet to deprive us of the respect we have, and may it not take it away anytime soon. Thank you for the support and comments ma'am. I appreciate.
Pleasure!☕