NT usage of the word "Sir" [urban Midwestern USA]

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One thing I noticed is how many neurotypicals use the word "sir". I've seen it used when they're confused/want something ("Sir, are you done with this computer so I can use it"), when they're angry or want something/are politely asking you to do something ("Sir, your chair is intruding on my personal space - Mitt Romney and a rapper from the ROTFL group got into an incident and apparently something like that happened). And there is shen they seem angry/confused or demanding something ("Sir, why are you moving/where are you going") - with some implication or authority or other neurotypical things.

Well one example I used isn't only urban midwestern USA. Also it seems some neurotypicals have a problem with being called "dude" - well some older neurotypicals. They sure like that authority/power they have. Please discuss more

Some families teach their children to refer to men in positions of authority as "sir". I don't think it's a situational type thing unless the individual is parroting something they heard elsewhere.

I never really did understand that, either. I do understand, however that the United States is a very military country. Maybe that has something to do with it.

I'm aware of that, but in he examples I used above it wasn't exactly used for formality/authority. More of unfamiliarity or to demand or question someone. Also note the neurotypicals' tone of voice used in those situation (See the Mitt Romney example)

There's a lot of analogies to the Military used in the USA ["War on X", "Annihilate them", etc]. So yes there is a stronger brand of militarism in the USA, despite the USA people[s] trying to deny it. Advocating slashing the military budget and see how they react

Also see popular perceptions of sending "delinquents" or "Bad kids" or "people" to Boot Camp or into Military Schools/Academies to "Straighten them out" or other BS. My mother wanted to send me to one of those things. And she wonders why I hate hierachy and want to destroy the old world.

Uh, my point being is that people love focusing on the "Good things" the military does to you - "team work, honor, discipline" and other thing. Ignoring the "giving orders" and "Receiving orders" thing. And then they hide behind the "Defense from foreign invasions" when well......Red Dawn isn't very realistic .

Also the whole "world doesnt' center around you" and "learn to cooperate" mentaliy - ignoring that you can learn that from internet forums and seeing people construct things/etc. E.g. not joining a coercive hierarchical institution.

And yes you see this sort of mentality from many people in the USA. Note some regions barely express this mentality [large west coast, norther east coast and midwestern cities], while others express it a LOT [rural southeast and lower midwest]. Depends on the region.

@ USA militarism.

I never put much thought in the word.

Back in the day, the youth used to be expected to respect their elders. Also, elders were more likely to be worthy of that respect. The use of dude, I think, is more counter-culture casual (now common culture.) You may call your friends dude or bro, but you wouldn't call your professor dude or bro. If anyone remembers Leave it to Beaver reruns, they may note the usage of sir towards authority figures. It was a word of respect. Perhaps by using the word "sir," older NTs are symbolically and verbally showing respect. However, what the individual's motives may be, I don't know.

I make sure to use sir or madam whenever it's someone in a position of authority or someone who's a significant amount older than me.

It's really weird when I ask little kids at work "Does your mom know you're getting this candy?" and they answer "Yes, sir." I'm definitely not used to that.

Well, I'm usually a stickler for tradition where things like that are concerned and I do think it's a matter of respect and manners.

That said, my 76 year old dad and I stopped during a snowstorm recently to help a 20-something girl who was getting stuck in a drift at an intersection. Once we got her out and I was turning to go back to the truck she said 'Thank you, Sir" and it hit me with a wave of depression, that this attractive lovely thought of me as that much older than her. I am, I realize, but I've never thought of myself that way and I've been fortunate enough up till now not to look it. It's just a real downer. I don't want to be a "Sir" - being a "Dude" is so much more easy going...

I want to stay a kid forever...as The Who said, when I really was a kid:

"I hope I die before I get old"

If not physically, then at least mentally.
It is funny that you mentioned that, Willard, because when I saw something like that in a film or on television I thought it would not be possible, no one makes those associations.

I was wrong.

I'm not sure why it's being equated to urban midwestern. I have lived on the east coast, west coast and the midwest. I think I have heard it used most on the east coast. I don't know anyone here in the urban midwest who uses that term. It was a common term in new england.

I think its just politeness. I don't think it has anything to do with AS or NT.

It comes from the french word 'sire'. Which was used to address those equal to you or of a superior status. Though I don't think it carries that connotation anymore.

Hey, Willard wait until the beautiful young girl at the checkout starts packing your groceries in bags for you and looking at you affectionately when she starts talking about her dad. Kind of nice when you get used to it actually. Transitional thing.

I think "Sir" is a pretty normal way to politely address someone. It is also a way of maintaining one's composure when getting angry. Phrasing something very aggressive but with polite words can be quite powerful.

Also, on the word "dude"... If someone were to call me a "dude" I would probably blink at them and stare them down.

"Sir" and "Ma'am" are both used in the military, on the police force, and in fire departments, so its already prevelent throughout the culture Its also a sign of respect. I prefer to show respect to everyone I meet and greet. Plus, it is better if you ever get pulled over by the cops to refer to them as sir or ma'am.

That is a very astute observation, sir. I think I'm gonna have to start calling everyone under 30 "sir" and everyone over 30 "dude" just for the hell of it

All the best cowgirls have Daddy issues.