Daphne, if I am unsure, and do not know people,  I always ask them what they like to be called, before addressing them. I think this encourages open communication, at the get-go, and is culturally sensitive. If there are no, or few opportunities to ask, or, if my question goes unanswered, I usually err on the formal side (and some cultural knowledge about what is "formal" should be known by the communicator). That's my 2 cents. Sondra


> ----------

> From: 	womenliteracy-bounces at dev.nifl.gov on behalf of Daphne Greenberg

> Reply To: 	The Women &  Literacy Discussion List

> Sent: 	Thursday, November 10, 2005 12:47 PM

> To: 	womenliteracy at dev.nifl.gov

> Subject: 	[WomenLiteracy] titles

> 

> On the professional development listserv, there was a posting that I thought may be of interest on this listserv. After you read the message I copied from Jim, I am wondering if any of you have any thoughts about this, and how our female students like to be addressed. Here is the posting:

> 

> At my school, some women do not like being referred to as "ladies," saying the "title" puts undue societal pressure on them to behave a certain way. In the 70's we learned that many traditional expressions pointing to femaleness were unacceptable. Many, such as "Honey," "Babe," and "Darlin'," showed a certain amount of familiarity and disrespect. I have even received disapproving feedback from a woman after saying "Yes, Ma'am." My grandmother would roll over in her grave at the thought of my not responding to a woman with a one-time courteous "Yes (or No) Ma'am." I would appreciate any assistance  anyone can give me in determining the appropriate appellation or reference to the women of today. As I have three daughters, I certainly have no wish to offend to them or any woman.

> 	Why many men seem to be happy being referred to as "guys," or even "dudes," and so forth, while we are apparently having trouble zeroing in on a proper set of references to women, I don't know. I know that, just because terms were appropriate for many years and eras, it doesn't mean they should remain appropriate. 

> 	Jim

> 	

> 

> 

> Daphne Greenberg

> Assistant Professor

> Educational Psych. & Special Ed.

> Georgia State University

> P.O. Box 3979

> Atlanta, Georgia 30302-3979

> phone: 404-651-0127

> fax:404-651-4901

> dgreenberg at gsu.edu

> 

> Daphne Greenberg

> Associate Director

> Center for the Study of Adult Literacy

> Georgia State University

> P.O. Box 3977

> Atlanta, Georgia 30302-3977

> phone: 404-651-0127

> fax:404-651-4901

> dgreenberg at gsu.edu

> 

> 

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