well it was all Blck until I got there. Why to the refer to each other using Miss and Mr? for example I don't know miss Donetta. This would be her first name. Is it a black thing? Drives me crazy and I think they dislike me b/c I refuse to do it.
2007-01-12 01:57:51 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Cultures & Groups ➔ Other - Cultures & Groups
It's suppose to be a sign of respect. Instead of being overly informal. I don't like it, it makes me feel like some old 300 pound lady (memories from childhood). I like to be called just my name, but others don't.
It's like going to the south and they call everyone Sir and Ma'am. Just a cultural thing.
The reason why they dislike you not doing it is because it feels like to them that you are not respecting them. And are being overly familiar with them.
I personally hate it when I go to a bank and they use my first name. I feel like they don't know me like that and are better off not using it, but others like it.
Don't make waves over it. Don't call them Mr. or Mrs. if you don't want to. But you'll just have to understand why they are offended. I'm not saying it's right, I'm just explaining how it is.
2007-01-12 02:08:37 · answer #1 · answered by that dead girl 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's a regional thing. I know places in the US where it is just polite to do that. Less formal than using the Mr./Mrs./Miss and last name but more formal than just the first name. Get over it and just do it. It's not a black thing and if you continue to see it as such, you may well develop some animosity between yourself and the others you work with and for.
2007-01-12 10:12:43 · answer #2 · answered by rbarc 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Don't swim against the current or you will drown. Use the titles Mr. Mrs. Ms. with everyone because it is polite and correct.
Why don't you get to know the personnel you work with and supervise? I work with people of many cultures and colors, and I have no problem with anyone, because we all respect each other so much, that we are not just friends: we are family.
2007-01-12 10:04:26 · answer #3 · answered by David G 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Why does it drive you crazy & why do you refuse to do it? It's likely a modified, Southern formality. Forty years ago, standard business practice was to use the formal address of Mr., Mrs. or Miss & their last name. Until the 1970's, Ms. was unknown & it was a significant social change when one began addressing superiors by their first name.
How do they address you; "Mister" or "Dude" or by your first name?
2007-01-12 10:12:09 · answer #4 · answered by mike s 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Its more a southern thing and it displays RESPECT!!! When I was growing up you either called adults by their last names or if they were family friends you said Mr. or Miss infront of thier first names. Its only MANNERS!!! Sorry it offends you.
2007-01-12 11:17:40 · answer #5 · answered by Lotus Phoenix 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's a polite thing. Non-African-Americans in the Southeast do that too. I'm a Cherokee/Irish gal who was raised to do the same thing, and I do that here in CT as well for anyone who is old enough to be my grandmother or grandfather. You likely seem very impolite to them---and it would to me as well if you were new. It shows that you respect the people who came before you!
2007-01-12 10:12:59 · answer #6 · answered by Danagasta 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
It's a cultural anachronism, get used to it. It's actually a sign of politeness, similar to how in polite culture here in the US until recently, women would refer to their husbands as "Mr. whomever," and men would do the corollary.
You're in Rome, man. Do as the Romans do.
2007-01-12 10:05:54 · answer #7 · answered by Brian L 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Small town southern talk . Has nothing to do with if you're white or black. My opinion.
2007-01-12 10:06:01 · answer #8 · answered by flyoverall 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋