Sir/Madam for Cops and Soldiers?
By basqui
@basqui (3888)
Philippines
March 13, 2010 1:33am CST
Someone told me today that i should not call cops or soldiers Sir or Madam, hence they should be the ones to call citizens such. why? He said that they are getting paid by our taxes and they are serving as our security forces and he's right. Although not all, sometimes they require the address of Sir/Madam, especially here in my country where cops or soldiers feels that they are superior. Do you think my friend is right in his view? Do really cops/soldiers deserve to be called sirs or ma'ams? or they should be the one's to call citizens those titles?
Please share your views.
5 responses
@Tallygirl09 (1380)
• United States
13 Mar 10
I think that it one doesn't know their name, using sir or madam for cops and soldiers is the polite proper thing. AND it is also proper for them to use with citizins whom they don't know. I'd rather be abit formal and show the respect that I feel they are due for the job they do for all our benefits. Just my humble opinion. I will add that I live in a miliary city that it there is a large army base here and I have seen first hand many of the sacrifices they make along with their families so that I can enjoy being an American.
@basqui (3888)
• Philippines
13 Mar 10
oh yes you're right. cops and soldiers even offer their lives to secure our safety. even their own families are compromised or put to danger in many situations right?
You're lucky in the US where corrupt uniformed men are given penalties and are watched over always. Here in the Philippines, it's not as your case. The uniformed men, although not all, are the abusive ones. They oppress citizens rights and not protect them. I hope these cases change if a new president is elected in May.
@Sir_bobby88 (8231)
• Singapore
28 Mar 10
Well it is the same here in my country but i think everyone look down on them because if we were to have war , it is a sure lose thing .
@neildc (17238)
• Lapu-Lapu City, Philippines
15 Mar 10
in your friend's point of view, i can say that it is right not to call or address them as sir or madam. but the society where in, it is more appropriate to call someone in authority by such address. that especially, if the officer is high ranking and you do not personally know them. i know a lot of police officers here, because our jobs are coinciding with each other. when someone i know, i call them by their names but if not, i call them "chief".
@ghieptc (2522)
• Philippines
14 Mar 10
As for me I think that's Ok to call them sir/madam in respect of them. That is just being polite. Even though they're getting paid by our taxes they must gain respect from us. It's hard to risk life for others especially for the unknown when they're simply on their duty to do it. They must gain respect from us too because not everyone are capable and willing to do the job they are in. Sometimes it's not just money matters they chose that job but because they simply want to help and serve us. So, a simple respect will make them feel important to keep on doing a good job for us.
