You know, it’s possible to be named Che, or Dick, or Josef, or Donald, or even Adolf without being meant to honor objectionable historical figures. But I expect we’re in for a week or so of Carmen being nasty and ungrateful to the family that took her in when she was in danger.
As for “Mrs. Coyote” not wanting a “gender-biased” title, the solution is simple. Ask people what they want to be called, and call them that. That’s not “political correctness,” it’s good manners.
and it is also good manners not to be judgmental in responding to polite ignorance by saying “I prefer to be called/identified by….” as a gentle correction.
When my wife and I married she did not change her name. There have been many a time when people will address her as Mrs. nosirrom, starting with the JP who officiated our wedding. This bothers her because she prefers Ms. HerSurname. I have been addressed as Mr. HerSurname at times, but I don’t mind.
“Only a fool takes offense where none is offered.” Robert H. Heinlein. I’m also of the elderly persuasion, and after careful consideration have come to the conclusion that “common courtesy” has become an oxymoron. I admit I was brought up with the archaic notion that gentlemen were addressed as Mr. Surname and ladies as Miss, Mrs., or Ms. Surname, or as “sir” or “ma’am” depending on gender (and I hasten to add that my upbringing occurred not only in the last century, but the last millennium). And by the way, everybody was either a “lady” or a “gentleman.” My mother was quick to give me a right ding about the head if I forgot my “manners,” so I’m unlikely to change at this point in my life.
Christopher Shea almost 6 years ago
You know, it’s possible to be named Che, or Dick, or Josef, or Donald, or even Adolf without being meant to honor objectionable historical figures. But I expect we’re in for a week or so of Carmen being nasty and ungrateful to the family that took her in when she was in danger.
Ignatz Premium Member almost 6 years ago
As for “Mrs. Coyote” not wanting a “gender-biased” title, the solution is simple. Ask people what they want to be called, and call them that. That’s not “political correctness,” it’s good manners.
Khatkhattu Premium Member almost 6 years ago
and it is also good manners not to be judgmental in responding to polite ignorance by saying “I prefer to be called/identified by….” as a gentle correction.
nosirrom almost 6 years ago
When my wife and I married she did not change her name. There have been many a time when people will address her as Mrs. nosirrom, starting with the JP who officiated our wedding. This bothers her because she prefers Ms. HerSurname. I have been addressed as Mr. HerSurname at times, but I don’t mind.
Bookworm almost 6 years ago
“Only a fool takes offense where none is offered.” Robert H. Heinlein. I’m also of the elderly persuasion, and after careful consideration have come to the conclusion that “common courtesy” has become an oxymoron. I admit I was brought up with the archaic notion that gentlemen were addressed as Mr. Surname and ladies as Miss, Mrs., or Ms. Surname, or as “sir” or “ma’am” depending on gender (and I hasten to add that my upbringing occurred not only in the last century, but the last millennium). And by the way, everybody was either a “lady” or a “gentleman.” My mother was quick to give me a right ding about the head if I forgot my “manners,” so I’m unlikely to change at this point in my life.
Night-Gaunt49[Bozo is Boffo] almost 6 years ago
You are as flexible as you want to be regardless of age. I am 60 and not enjoying it. But what can you do? Live with it.