American society seems to be much more
informal than the British and, in some ways, is characterized by less social
distinction. Students do not rise when a teacher enters the room. One does not
always address a person by his title, such as "Major" or
"General" or "Doctor" in the case of a holder of a Doctor
of Philosophy degree. The respectful "Sir" is not always used in the
northern and western parts of the country.
However, it is
best to use a person's title when first meeting him/her, and then allow the
person to tell you how he/she wishes to be called.
They use first
names when calling each other, slap on the back, joke and are much freer in
their speech, which is more slangy than the conventional British English. You
will often hear the word "Hi" (a form of greeting among friends) used
instead of the usual "Hello," and "Howdy" instead of
"How do you do?"
Those who don't
easily show these signs of friendship are called "snooty" or
"snobbish." In contrast, people who show such simple signs of
friendship, particularly to their own economic and social inferiors, are
praised as "regular guys," or as "truly democratic." As a
description of character, democratic is generally used to signify that a person
of high social or economic status acts in such a way that his or her inferiors
are not reminded of their inferiority.
Yet, in spite of
all the informality, Americans, even in the way they address each other, show
consciousness of social distinction. For example, one is likely to use somewhat
more formal language when talking to superiors. While the informal
"Hello" is an acceptable greeting from employee to employer, the
employee is more apt to say "Hello, Mr. Ferguson," while the employer
may reply "Hello, Jim." Southerners make a point of saying "Yes,
sir," or "Yes, Ma'am," or "No, sir," or "No,
Ma'am," when talking to an older person or a person in a position of
authority. While this is good form all over the United Stales, "Yes. Mr.
Weston" or "No, Mrs. Baker" is somewhat more common in a similar
situation in the North or West.
Certain other
forms of politeness are observed on social occasions. Women may wear hats in
church. in restaurants, and often when attending luncheons in public places and
other public social functions except those that take place in the evening. Men
who do wear hats ordinarily remove them in elevators, churches, restaurants,
private homes, business offices — in fad, in most public situations when they
wish to show respect.
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