(no subject)

[rm]

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/07/us/07aging.html

Fascinating article on the harm of addressing seniors with elder-speak.

But what really struck me? The toll of words like "sweetie" and "dear" that the article notes are also used for children in a way that can also be disrespectful and isolating. What the article doesn't note: is that these words are used in the same way on women of all ages, and yes, it makes us angry and uncooperative too.

Comments

[brewsternorth.livejournal.com]

Indeed, and then it gets lauded as "gallantry", or merely laughed off. Not exactly cool.

(Not a well-traveled American, me - is this more of a Southern thing or is it pretty much awful all over the 50?)

[rm.livejournal.com]

It depends. I actually find it less disconcerting when I am in the south as it feel more ubiquitous and less a statement of "I want something from you" or "I am telling you where you stand." Up here, where I hear it a lot, it feels a hell of a lot more like a weapon.

[nex0s.livejournal.com]

When I get called "sweetie" by a man with whom I'm not in a relationship (come to think of if, none of them men I have a r'ship with call me sweetie, but!) I usually call them "SweetCheeks" right back.

Makes 'em blush. And gets the point accross.

N.