At the service desk at a familiar big box store, a young man asks “And what can I do for you, young lady?” Since I have talked about this type of comment/question recently as rather patronizing, I blurted out “do you call everyone young lady?”
I consider it irritating not cute. A friendly “may I help you?” works fine for me. He did answer yes to my question, but doubt it is true. I did say “well, good”. Am I being too sensitive here? What have you experienced and how do you feel about it?
HUM, I am definitely not young! Would the clerk have said the same thing to a “middle aged” man? I doubt it.
ReplyDeleteYes, I am put off by the "young lady" greeting, too! I am definitely NOT young, either - and at many times in my life have proudly been NOT a lady.
ReplyDeleteAlso, good question, Kirsten. What exactly would have been said: "May I help you YOUNG GENTLEMAN?" or maybe "May I help you YOUNG SIR?"
YIKES- we have to deal with sexism as well as ageism?!?!? I'm just too OLD for this! :)