I have to agree with Senator Boxer on this one. She did work hard to earn that title and she deserves to be called “Senator Boxer”. If she were a medical doctor, I think she should be called “Doctor Boxer”. If a person works their butt off to earn a prestigious title, then they have the right to correct people when they are not addressed properly. That applies to both men and women. Let’s be fair here. I don’t think it was at all disrespectful of her to make that correction. I would have done the same thing.
Here’s the clip:
And to correct the military argument, I do believe that they address officers by their titles, not just “sir” or “ma’am”.
7 comments
Sue
The Brigadier General was speaking in the Senate, so it is appropriate for him to adjust his stance and address the Senators as Senators, not with military terms. Barbara Boxer was right on, and I think it was very appropriate that she asked him to address her by her title, as a professional, not as ma’am which is a very generic reference to a woman. I am a doctor. In social situations, I prefer that people address me with my specific name, Sue. If they know my name but still address me as ma’am, I ask them not to. I don’t think it is asking too much to be addressed by your professional title in a professional situation. If I am out to eat and being served and someone addresses me as ma’am, it is completely different. I would rather be identified by my profession than with a title that is somewhat archaic and out-of-date. Women who have titles like Dr. and Senator prefer that this address be used in professional situations. Basically, they are just asking for the same treatment that male professionals receive. The fact that this has been so controversial is an indication that we are still a very sexist society. I am having trouble figuring out why so many people have a problem with a senator requesting not to be addressed as ma’am.
Elizabeth
You have got to be kidding me. I guarantee you that man has worked much harder, and sacrificed much more to gain his rank, the rank of BRIGADIER GENERAL, mind you. And yes, in the military, the officers are addressed as Sir or Ma’am when you are speaking to them, even if they are a Lieutenant General or General, which are the two highest ranks. By no means was ma’am disrespectful, in fact it was showing the highest sense of respect. She was out of line to request to be called senator in the middle of the conference rather than ma’am, by this man who has done much more to earn his title, and I didn’t see him correcting her and being asked to be addressed as Brigadier General. It was not a mistake. Don’t overstep your bounds, Senator.
Olga
I would totally do the same thing! If she had been ‘nicer’ about it, chances are people would be more likely to make the same ‘mistake’ again in the future. Now at least noone will ever DARE forget to calle her “Senator’ again. You go girl!
bcisayso
Why does the media make a fuss over stuff like this? I mean if she worked hard, and wants to be called senator, she should be. I would think the news anchor would be a little more understanding. I’m not saying she has to agree, but how hard would she have to work not to be considered a fluff-brain and do tough stories.
cheyenne
Ma’am and Sir is what they say in the military. Okay, yes she worked hard to be a senator, but she could have been nicer in asking him to call her senator. He was trying being respectful.She just didn’t like that he called her ma’am instead. It doesn’t matter anyway, she corrected him and that’s it.
Ericka
I don’t agree one bit with Boxer’s politics, but I agree that she has the right to request being called Senator without it turning into a media frenzy. I’m a veterinarian and expect to be called “Doctor” and not ma’am, lady, or honey. While ma’am is still a respectful greeting, if she wants to be called Senator then call her that.
Positively Present
I agree. When you work hard for something, such as to be Senator, you deserve that title and it should be used as a form of respect!