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Besides Florida, I haven't been to the south-are kids down there still taught to say it, or is it becoming less and less common? What areas is it the most common in?
Before leaving Texas, I noticed it was starting to fade a little bit. I'm sure there are still families there that teach it though. I personally have no problem with it.
It's still common, and still viewed by most as a positive form of courtesy. Of course, we live in a mobile, global society, so it's usage is lessening rather than remaining constant or increasing.
Personally, I like it. My four children are now grown, and two have kids of their own. They are teaching them to use those terms as well.
Also, many military families use those terms, regardless of where they are from or where they are stationed.
If their parents are baby boomers then they're more than likely raised with that level of respect. Kids with post 1970s parents are for the most part not raised saying yes ma'am/yes sir etc. It really is a generation thing. Has nothing to do with the south or being a southern thing. Most kids today just arent taught that at home. It doesnt make them disrespectful they're just not taught that. However most young people do refer to senior citizens as ma'am/sir which is good......at least they respect their elders.
The young folks still say those words down South. I have never noticed any change.
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