The only time I've felt uncomfortable being addressed as "ma'am" was when I was addressed so by a black woman (I'm white) just a few years younger than me, she being in a subordinate position on the job. She told me that's just how she'd been raised. I'm still unsure whether my discomfort came from her being a female close to my age, because she was African American, or because we were working closely together and not thinking of her as subordinate. It's easier for me to accept/appreciate hearing it from young people (under 30) and males of any age.
I like to hear it if I can tell it's honest; not some Eddie Haskell response (moreso with some kids who use it).
I like to hear it if I can tell it's honest; not some Eddie Haskell response (moreso with some kids who use it).