What's in a Name?

 I will always respond to "Maria," "Mom," (even if they aren't technically my offspring) or even, occasionally, "hey you" - but not Mrs. Corse, Miss Maria (even though a little less proper), or any other formal descriptor.  I have always felt that using titles (prefixes) is a foundational component of an outdated patriarchal system that elevates adults above young people for no reason beyond the fact that they are older. (I think we can all recognize that wisdom doesn't necessarily come with age.)  The only exception to this, in my mind, is if someone has earned, through hard work and dedication, their title - Doctor (whether PhD., MD., etc.) or other professional monikers.  

Simply calling someone Mrs., Mr., Sir, or Madame, will not automatically generate a feeling of respect.  Yet - it does come through trust, admiration, shared adventures, and the mutual understanding that comes from those experiences.  

None of us can demand or even, honestly, expect to receive respect through the use of a title or any other power-grabbing methods.  In the same way, none of us can insist that someone earn our trust. 

However, each of us can dedicate ourselves to pronouncing people's names correctly (and within that, acknowledging that we may be having a difficult time getting it right - and promising to practice) and always asking for and using their preferred name and pronouns.  

And within that, building relationships through mutual trust and respect - then comprehending that we all, no matter our age, can contribute, is the key to moving our culture forward beyond hierarchy and artificial status to the common goal of solving societal problems and forging community. 

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