- Calling Names

[Amy Z]

April wrote:

> I always thought it funny that people associate titles with respect.

The people I respect most in the world--my closest friends--I 
naturally don't call by their titles.  And I call my mom and dad Mom 
and Dad, not Ma'am and Sir.  Respect takes many forms.

But I do think that more respect for elders would not be a bad thing. 
 Lots of older people are not particularly worthy of respect, but the 
basic idea that we should listen to the old because they have more 
accumulated life wisdom would help out this ailing culture a great 
deal.  JMHO.

One way to show this kind of respect is to use titles.  Now, the old 
people I know best, and respect most, don't expect this of me.  But if 
they did, I would give it, and I would recognize that that expectation 
isn't a sign that they don't respect me, but is their way of knowing 
that *I* respect *them.*  If that is what tells them they're 
respected, so be it, and I will adopt it.

Amy Z