They do it do me all the time! I don't care how old or how young they are. Sometimes, it's "Yes, Ma'am" after each statement I make. It drives me crazy!
If the person is under 18 or 21, it's OK. If we are in a social situation as equals, I don't want to hear it, especially if the person saying it is old enough to be an older relative. It's OK if the person is in a job or acting in an official capacity.
I have always stressed the importance of good manners to my family, but I grew up in the South. While I am too young to remember a lot of things about segregation, I can remember some of it, but I didn't understand it. "Yes, Ma'am" is one of those phases that I associated with that time when everyone was not equal. I guess that is why I don't like hearing it, because I refuse to let them be less than I am. We will always be equals.
I will use it for an older person out of respect, just like I was taught, but I still dislike it for myself.
2007-08-05 17:13:51 · 8 answers · asked by Ariel 128 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
You're not a ma'am ; you're a 'miss' & that's quite how you should be addressed. In fact, I address all unmarried females with 'miss' if I don't know their name. Get over yourself & stop living in ancient history miss.
2007-08-06 06:46:35 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Stop and think. Is asking for less courtesy wise in today's culture?
It is a cultural thing at times. In some sections of the country, people are raised to say that. Don't fight against a person's parenting or ideas about how to show honor to someone else. If you recently moved to a section of the country where people say that more than you are used to, don't fight it. Learn to appreciate it.
You are arguing against courtesy and politeness. Out of 400-500 students I see in a one day (or more), usually only one or two have been raised to say "Yes, Ma'am."
I tell you, courteous people stand out!
People appreciate them.
If anything, our world need MORE courtesy and respect, not less.
2007-08-06 00:20:34 · answer #2 · answered by No substitute for privacy online 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I grew up in the south and I'm an older woman and I can see your point. As you know, "Yes Ma'am, Yes Sir" phrase is out of respect. It has nothing to do with lower or higher class. Even lower class used it within their own society. Even when men courted women, they used that term...
Anyway, when you come across it again, remember that it is out of respect and if you choose not to be referred to in this way, politely tell the user, "you do not have to call me ma'am, my name is ____" and leave it at that.
2007-08-06 01:21:00 · answer #3 · answered by lwheavenlyangel 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I live in the South, and everyone here uses it. I don't think it's associated with inequality, it's just manners and the culture here.
Sort of like how all adult women are called "Miss" by kids, as in my name "Miss Julie". I'm called that by all kids I know here, black or white, it doesn't matter.
2007-08-06 00:19:09 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I think it is just common courtesy to say "Yes, Ma'am" "Yes, Sir" or "Thank you, Ma'am". Doesn't have to be anything "cultural" behind it or an insult.
2007-08-06 00:24:35 · answer #5 · answered by Oshkosh Girl 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There are many broken rules of etiquette out there. This is not one of them, you'll be sorry to know. Perhaps you could concentrate on those rather than this trifling matter.
2007-08-06 00:18:10 · answer #6 · answered by jewel_mayhew 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you don't like to be called Ma,m then tell that you prefer to be called by your first name.
2007-08-06 00:23:44 · answer #7 · answered by Vannili 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sound's kiss-*** to me. It's only cute with a southern accent.
2007-08-06 00:30:21 · answer #8 · answered by Michelle 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋