By Norman Cain, July 25, 2019 — Yesterday a fortyish aged man who resides on my street called me “old man” and then “Pops.” I immediately informed him that I found both terms unacceptable. He apologized and asked me if I was interested in buying some shoes. I declined.
When I was growing up my parents emphasized that me and my siblings embrace the concept of respect to everyone, especially the elderly, who we addressed as ma’am and sir.
Fortunately, not all youth utilize the terms “old head,” “old school,” “uncle,” and “pops” etc. when addressing me. At best 60 will use the terms: mister and sir- when I visit southern states, I notice that the youth in general, use the terms mister, miss, ma’am, and sir when addressing seniors. All people- no matter their age should be addressed in the proper manner.