It's a Matter of R-E-S-P-E-C-T

As a firmly entrenched member of Gen-X, I noticed something quite annoying at work as of late. Some of our newly minted 20-something year old employees come into the office all gung-ho and ready to dive into any and every problem they encounter. I love that tenacity and desire to learn. But, there's one itty bitty trend that just gets on my nerves!

You call someone's name, and the answer you receive is a snippy, sharp reply of "What?"

Now, many of you probably think I'm just plain bitchy and nit-picky. I accept that opinion with grace. But to me, I was raised to accept that kind of response as disrespectful. Man, I can't tell you how infuriated my Mom would get if you ever answer to her like that. She was totally cool about my friends calling her by her first name... she's very informal and down-to-earth in a lot of ways. But... THAT response touched a nerve with her. She would slap the piss out of me or my brothers if we ever took that tone with her.

Growing up with a long-time Black friend, I noticed that his Mom was the same way... and they passed that etiquette down to us. Never, EVER answer with, "What?!" However, I don't think this was what some people term, a "Black Thing". I think this was generational etiquette.... yet another rule of R-E-S-P-E-C-T that seems to be dying out in newer generations.

Oh, yes... and just one... more... thing. While I'm on the subject of R-E-S-P-E-C-T, I've had to point out something else to one of my acquaintances. For older people, I would never have cut as much slack as I did for this young, gay man. I don't tolerate being called "Boy". Now, I realize that there are many out there that don't understand the true use and connotation of this term towards a Black male, so I rarely snap anyone into place. Sometimes, it's a light-hearted attempt to be informal, and there are no bad intentions. So, I simply let them know that I DO have a first name and I don't appreciate being called, "Boy". Now THAT is a "Black Thing"... and it's all a matter of R-E-S-P-E-C-T.

Let that be a word to the wise. Some Black men are diplomatic about being called "Boy", others are much more blunt. Some fuses are shorter than others... so take it from me... don't light the match. As such, it's a cultural tightrope that's best avoided. Besides, I'd hate to ruin my new jacket trying to jump in and save my young, gay acquaintance should he happen to say "Boy" to the wrong guy.