Virginia Professor Fired over Not Using Students' Preferred Pronouns
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I guess that's something to keep in mind for the modern, progressive, diverse world we live in.
My pronouns are Master, King, God and Lord. 
Well I am going to make sure that anyone who doesn't refer to me as madam gets the sack!!!
To be absolutely honest, I hate when waiters, clerks, receptionists and etc call me "sir" or "gentleman". Yes, they don't mean to be insulting me in any way but that makes me feel old and I'm not.
Of course I'm not going to make a complain about it because it's how they're told to treat customers.
Rockman ah well I AM old but it was only a joke, I actually don't like being called madam.
Rockman actually that sounds quite nice i like hearing it on American tv. It sounds quite respectful and endearing whereas madam sounds as if you are addressing some old Dragon lady lol!
Wouldn't you rather be addressed as "madam" than being calling your first name or being called mate? Surely "madam" is just being professional and respectful, right?
jakemoss yes I agree but it isn't always appropriate. I wouldn't expect a doctor or nurse to address me as madam nor my child's teacher. In fact there are not many situations where it would be appropriate. maybe bank manager, or someone trying to sell me a car? It's no secret on here that I am no spring chicken so I am not sure anyone would address me as mate. I am not a snob and have no objection to being called dear or luv, but again, when appropriate. Madam almost sounds like an insult, as if someone is insinuating you are somehow posh and snobby. I go along with Rockman and would much prefer ma'am. It seems to settle in the middle very nicely. Obviously this is my own personal opinion and I know a lot of young women abhor being called darling or luv, but that is how I was brought up.
lol whenever I get called 'madam' or 'ma'am' it makes me feel really old! I know it is a term of respect, so you do hear it from some cultures more than others. But I never take offence - no point in creating a scene over something so minute, as you are bound to forget about it soon enough
Nail on the head hspexy, I agree. I don't mind being called anything as long as it's not rude. Certainly wouldn't complain like some of the militant feminists who object to being called love or darling! I think the madam thing is a hang up from days gone by when servants referred to the mistress of the house as madam.
This is ridiculous...you'll find in other countries, such as Southeast Asia people say sir/madam not in a derogatory way but as a sign of utmost respect... I don't understand why calling sir/madam in other countries is rude? Like when I'm at the airport boarding my plane, people say thank you sir, I don't feel old when people address me that way, it's just being professional.
No one on here has even suggested it is rude or offensive. However, as in a lot of cases the male equivalent of words does not seem as patronising as the female equivalent. Why do you think spinster was dropped from marriage certificates, they just put single for both. Bachelor didn't sound half as bad.
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