[Fwd: Re: Mssrs. (was turning 18)]
Jay Gause (jaygause@FLASH.NET)
Wed, 28 Apr 1999 13:22:54 -0500
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This must really be a cultural thing. In my Scouting environment, which
as both a child and adult has been closely linked to a parish environment,
the only acceptable way to address adults over about 21 years old was by
Mr. or Mrs. This is consistent with the environment our Scouts live
in. They are not allowed to address school teachers, CCE (Sunday school)
teachers, parish staff, Aunts, Uncles, parents, neighbors etc. by a first
name alone. In our environment this would be a sign of disrespect. From
reading others posts I must assume that in other environments calling adults
by there first name is acceptable and therefore does not denote disrespect.
I'm curious if this might be a regional or urban/rural thing also. Most
of the kids I'm routinely around would be scolded by their parents if they
answered an adult with ya and na instead of yes sir, no sire, etc. But
this seems to be far more prevalent in the South than elsewhere.
I guess when in Rome do as the Romans. I for one would feel awkward
being called by my first name by youth, including my nieces and nephews.
As for 18-21 crowd, seems like first name would be appropriate in my
environment unless the young man or woman preferred different.
Jay Gause
Pack 1283 CC,COR
Troop 1283 Religious Emblems Counselor
Houston, TX
jaygause@flash.net
