Reference to ‘young lady’ revs up readers
QI see you are going to cover the young lady subject one more time, so I thought I would send my comment. It’s a shame that people get upset when addressed with innocent words that they don’t like. Whatever happened to the “sticks and stones” story we were taught as kids?
— Jeff Hacker,
Palo Alto
ANever did I think referring to a driver in her 70s as a “young lady” would dominate my inbox for days, but several women raised their concerns, which took Roadshow onto an unexpected detour.
QYou have been battered by people for calling older women “young lady,” which I feel is gracious. In this time, we all need more kindness and grace. I am an older woman and have heard this term used toward me. No problem.
— Cindy Fischer, Los Altos
A
Thanks for offering your perspective.
Q
I am pushing 78 and anytime anyone addresses me as “young man,” my response is, “Emphasis on young.”
— Bill Crisick, Walnut Creek
A
Another thought on the matter …
Q
I am over 70 and I remember that being called “young lady” was a way to remind me to act as the other person expected
me to behave — not as I saw fit to behave. There may be an aspect of censure in the tone of voice, a natural sense of authority. It is as though my simply being female negated my authority as an adult. As I have grown older, I have recognized that people tend to be more willing to give women orders than they would to a man.
— Susan Bovee,
Pleasanton
A QAnd an alternative approach altogether …
I was raised in the hills of North Carolina. We just use “young ’un”! Kinda covers everybody.
— Marlene Lerner-Bigley, Martinez
A QI’m 73 but have been told I look younger, although I have gray hair, which probably marks me. I have been referred to as “hon” by much younger women. I feel that term is extremely patronizing coming from a 20- or 30-something and should be reserved to address young children.
— Kay Burks, Concord
A QWhen I hear “young man” coming from my wife, I know Wiley Coyote’s anvil is fast approaching.
— Tom D., San Jose
AThat it does.
And …
And …
Q
I just turned 70, which hit me kind of hard, especially since I don’t feel any different than I did 20 years ago. If someone called me “young lady,” it would make my day! Seniors who object to this moniker so vehemently are just perpetuating another stereotype — that old people are crotchety!
ANot in my view. Thanks for weighing in, everyone.
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