One thing's been happening recently. Since I've moved back to ATL from California, people have been calling me "Ma'am" and I hate it! ;)
For one, am I really that old? I like to think I'm 42 going on 24. ;)
For two, do you know calling white women "Ma'am" used to be a racial thing (and still is for a lot of people)? Black men were lynched for not calling white women by the proper "Ma'am.”
So when someone Black calls me "Ma'am" in Atlanta I am quick to call them "Ma'am" or "Sir" right back.
Sometimes, honestly, I make an effort to call an African descended being "Ma'am" or "Sir" just so I can reverse that racist "respect"-giving thing. And to a lot of people, it really is a form of respect, and I honor it, and am willing to use these greetings.
But what can we do to go beyond all of this? I actually prefer "King" and "Queen," especially when speaking to African descended friends (who use those words to reflect African royalty), or even anyone for that matter.
And I'm done with carrying on this outdated language.
But that's just my opinion.
I know "Ma'am" and "Sir" is just a form of respect.
>> For those who live in the South, or anyone, what are your thoughts? I'm curious.
>> Feel free to click "Reply" to this email, or comment on the blog post.
Sending You So Much Love!
And while we are talking about race + culture, I do want to say, as a Jewish-heritage woman, I support peace and an end to violence in the Middle East. And with that, I do feel it's time we honor the Palestinian experience, and not just the perspectives we are shown so much in our media.
WE ARE ALL ROYALTY. WE ARE ALL KINGS & QUEENS.
Questioning what's happening in the Middle East does not make me any less proud to be Jewish. In fact, when I stand up for what's right, it makes me even more proud to be Jewish heritage.
I love you all so much!
Take good care, and remember to fill up your cup!
x
Debra.