So, this is bound to piss someone off, but here goes...
I work in a very diverse workplace, which is one of the things I really like about being here. There are people here coming from many different backgrounds, races, ethnicities, etc. This has allowed me to make a couple of observations...
First, there was someone who came up to tell us about something recently, and she chose me as her first point of contact. I did have to bring in my supervisor, because I've only been here for a few months and was unsure about procedure. I wonder if she came to me first, though, because I'm the only white person in my department, and she was white. No one else has really come to me about anything, and rightly so because I'm so new.
Today someone was handing me a form, and said something like, "Excuse me Miss Viktoria," before asking if I would mind taking the form upstairs. I thought it was a little odd, but then I remembered that when I was visiting schools a lot, many time the black or hispanic kids would say "Miss" before my name, and this person happened to be younger and black. White kids never say "Miss [first name]."
Anyway, that's all, I just thought that was interesting.
About Me
- Viki
- I'm a singer by night, HR person by day, have some super cool kitties, and love coffee, chocolate (99% cocoa rocks!), wine, and cheese. My current favorite musical works are Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto #2, and Handel's Let the Bright Seraphim.
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7 comments:
perhaps, at least in the latter instance, it was a "respect your elders" thing.
Yes. You're getting old. I said it. ;)
(seriously, though, some kids even today, are raised formally that ANY one older than them deserves to be addressed with a title).
No, it's totally a cultural thing... I found this same thing at my new workplace and it's hard for me (being the white girl, but not the only one) to get use to.
Haha for Martha calling you old!
miss viktoria. aw. i wish everyone had manners.
miss viktoria. aw. i wish everyone had manners.
It is also a southern thing, people in the south also say that, regardless of their race.
I was thinking of Southerners in particular, too, Evi.
I think it is good that young people are taught respect, maybe all cultures should teach this.
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