Sen. Barbara Boxer of California had the following exchange with a Brigadier General Michael Walsh; do you think, she being an elitist? Here's their exchange: Sen. Boxer: "Why has it been delayed?" Brig. Gen. Walsh: "Ma'am, at the LACPR..." Sen. Boxer: "You know, do me a favor. Could you say 'senator' instead of 'ma'am?'" Brig. Gen. Walsh: "Yes, ma'am " Sen. Boxer: "It's just a thing, I worked so hard to get that title, so I'd appreciate it. Yes, thank you." Brig. Gen. Walsh: "Yes, senator"
No I don't think she's being an elitist. Ma'am is a generic term that can describe any woman older than the speaker. Senator, doctor, your honour, etc. are titles that come with a lot of work and if earned, should be used.
how about this spin on terms like ma'am, miss and lady i am standing in line a week ago at an asian restaurant where you choose a combo to go...the little asian ladies behind the counter call all the women in line lady..."hi, lady...what you like?" ..."lady, what can i get for you?" ...this is very common with asians...i hear it when i go to my pedicure place etc...soooooooooooooooo...there are two black women in line ahead of me and the one just wants 2 parts of a 3 part combo...well the server calls her lady...lady, no must choose 3 or give more of 1...well, the bw goes off on her and start yelling...not about the food but about calling her lady..."don't call me lady, i am a miss" ...are you serious? the bw stood there and yelled at the woman behind the counter for a good 5 minutes which is a long time in a line that usually clicks right along...she finally left without any food...SMDH all the kids in our neighborhood call me miss penny...i understand that it is part of the AA culture...the scene at the restaurant was over the top! yes, if a person man or woman has earned a title then especially in formal settings while performing that job they should be addressed as that title...
I hate it when ppl call me Sir. I am not British or old. I do not mind it if a military person refer to me as a sir, coz of their respected tradition. But an ordinary citizen calling me a sir, a big No No. Call me by my first name or by the designated title. I am very humble, but I get easily pissed when some borderline racist person refer to me as Sir. It is condescending and patronizing.
I also think that many times, women have to fight just a little harder than men to get to certain positions, especially in mendominated fields and that it creates a bit of "defensiveness" sometimes, when it comes to their titles - I can see where she came from - she wanted to be adressed as any man in her position would have been adressed. But she also did not recognize the way she was addressed was not in disrespect but in alignment on how people in the military are taught to adress others - he was in his way showing her respect.
She seemed like an egotistical fool when she said that. The general was using the term 'ma'am' as respectful gesture of speech and she was the one who was disrespectful to him.
