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Maids and Madams....

People in India take it for granted. Returned Indians feel uneasy and uncomfortable about it for a while. And, finally and sheepishily start accepting it. I'm talking about the "Sir" and "Madam" business.

Almost everyone in the service industry in India seem to have that respectful voice one would use in front of a royal court when they talk to you. In a restaurant, for e.g., you order a coffee and they go, "Your highness, Madaaaam....here's your coffee". Or something equally regal-sounding.

The first time my maid addressed me 'madam', I went "Huh, who me?". I didn't get it. What happened to my poor name which I have almost forgotten in the past months. Why the 'madam'? Sounded even feudal to me. And, strange. After all, coming from an egalitarian society like America, this reaction is natural. Right?

But, thou aren't protesting too much, you may ask? To be honest here, I actually kind of like it. You want to know why? See, I think this is pretty much the height of aristocracy I'm ever going to achieve in this lifetime, so......why not make the most out of it? I know it sounds petty, cheap, small-minded (ok, i'll stop stooping low here), but hey, aren't we allowed to have such pleasures once in a while?
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