This is about the adventures of my life! (with a few tutorials if I do something fun!) :-)
Monday, February 10, 2014
My Roots are Showing...
If you didn't know it, I grew up in Florida. We moved to Fort Pierce, FL when I was six years old and I lived there until I graduated High School. (Ft. Pierce Central, Go Cobras!). My family history is mostly in the Carolinas. I always had visions like the picture above. Beautiful plantations, lovely walks along shrub lined walks. As I have grown up I have learned the awful truth about slavery and that is how the plantations ran. That has changed the "dream" quite a bit. Nevertheless, my routes are very southern. When I left for college my grandmother said to me, "Now don't forget you are a Southern Belle at heart.". (please say that with a nice southern drawl)
But that isn't entirely what this post is about... there are many things I like about my heritage. I think Southerners fixed the English language with "ya'll". Most other languages have. plural form of "you", and I will always use "ya'll.". I will always slip into "I'm fixin' to do that". I don't know why. Not like love that saying, just something that comes out of my mouth when I am not thinking about it. I REALLY like the "ma'am" and "sir". I use it often. I like the way it sounds. I like the respect it gives, even if it someone younger than me. To me it seems polite in a kind, loving way. My dad says "Ma'am" and "Sir" a lot. I love it. He will say, "Thank you, sir." even to the gas station attendant. It seems so kind to me.
Here is the problem: A while ago on the "Today" show it was reported that a survey was taken among women and a huge percentage, over 50%, were offended when called "Ma'am". They would rather be called "Lady" or "woman"... but NOT "Ma'am". What!?!?! This doesn't insinuate that you are old, or not cool. It is just nice. It shows respect. Kindness. How can you be offended? I am so sad. Since I not longer live in the South, and haven't for years... HOW MANY PEOPLE AM I OFFENDING?!?!?
Yesterday I said, "Thank you, Sir." to a friend that dropped by. Was that offensive? Did it seem like I was being aloof? Here is one of the problems with "cultural differences", right? I mean it in the kindest of ways. It is respect - but not in a way that you intimidate me, but respect in a way that I really like you. Those are my roots. I don't see that changing, no matter where I live. Maybe I should pass a card out with this link so people know that I like them when I use "Ma'am" and "sir". :)
Labels:
about me
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment