I had a patient from Atlanta, black woman, who said yes sir, thank you sir- very polite to me. I had to tell her she doesnt have to call me sir. I talked with her awhile and found out her kids say yes maam and yes sir to her and her hubby. She said her kids would never disrespect her or anyone else. I was refreshing to hear some parents are doing it right
It’s “old school”, and tells you alot about upbringing.
I attended a private school in Huntsville in 1964. Something had just happened that caused these church schools to spring up all over Alabama. As a first grader I was ignorant to the greater issues at the time.
The basic politeness you refer to is still found in the southern expatriot community, white and black as you travel America.
In increasing infrequency, I should add.
Your post reminded me of the time my family was exiled to NJ from Texas for a couple of years.
On the first day of school my sister said “Yes Mam” to the teacher who indignantly replied “I’m not your Mam!”