Trackers PDX Blog

Thank you sir, Thank you ma'am

9th

September

Whenever I take a camp of kids out into world of adults I often encourage them to say, "Thank you sir or thank you ma'am" or "Much obliged, thank you so very much" and so on. When I have children I plan on role modeling this same articulation. Before the hallows of my fellow rebellious individualists assail me, let me explain the reasoning behind these alms of eloquence.

It's not intended for any sort of faux or forced politeness. Nor is it meant to appease the always irritating bluster that children "should be seen and not heard". No, this has more insidious and also sincere roots.

Reason #1 There is a world of curmudgeons out there with incredible amounts of experience and wisdom in both art and life. A child resilient by eloquence is shocking enough for today's world. It can melt the hearts of even the most antagonistic genius. We need to teach our children the old saying of, "you catch more flies with honey than you do with vinegar." There is to much opinion in this world that demanding loudly or spending money will get you the education and learning you need. We need to put honoring to the forefront.

Reason #2 The world is full of people needing appreciation for their efforts. When I go to a restaurant I'm very clear about always saying, "Thank you sir," and "Thank you ma'am" to the server. I mean, think about the remarkable quality of what they're giving me. They're serving my family, my friends, the people I care for. The same goes for someone serving me coffee, for a mechanic fixing my car, for the great people that help me keep Trackers fully alive and to every parent that comes in our door trusting us with their children. We need to court one another. I need to show my esteem and respect for their grandness.

I admit, maybe these honorifics are cheesy, yet they also work for me. And while our world definitely doesn't need respect stemming from fear or convention it could certainly use a little more appreciation born of awe and regard. An eloquent future is the greatest gift we can give our children.

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