Sir, – Some time ago, as a young-looking 51-year-old, power-walking in my local park, I observed a small boy of about four running towards me somewhat ahead of his mother who was pushing his sibling in a pram. As the said little boy was passing me, he said “Hi old lady”. A little startled, I managed a “Hi” back. After fuming for about two seconds, I had pretty much got over it by the time the little tyke’s mother passed me. But not forgotten.
Fast-forward to 2023, as an upright and still sprightly (I can out-powerwalk any of my offspring), now a white-haired 67-year-old, imagine my dismay when a (seemingly) 12-year-old assistant in a leading chemist shop called me her “dear” not once, but twice. Regretfully, I bit back my retort of “No thank you, chicken”. While in a leading brand supermarket this week another assistant also called me her “dear”. Again, I was polite. But no more! I’m on a mission. The next time someone calls me his or her “dear”, they will be referred to as “My little chicken”! Beware! – Yours, etc,
LIZ HARPUR,
Shankill,
‘It doesn’t have to be them or us’: Teachers behind new book of refugees’ stories want to challenge stereotypes
Ed Sheeran and Mary Robinson are right. It’s time to bin Band Aid
Podcast giant Joe Rogan may have played key role in US elections
Mark Ella was ‘the fulcrum ... the genius’ of Australia’s trailblazing tour of 1984
Dublin 18.