First Name/Nickname Basis with TSA strangers?
 

Hello,

I DESPISE it when the American screener checking my passport hands it back to me and says, "Have a nice day ... CATHY." First, I do not know this person and I resent the faux familiarity. Secondly, the name on my passport is CATHERINE and I do not need a condescending drone giving me an unwanted nickname.

Last names can be hard to pronounce, although is Asia people seem to be willing to give it a try. Why not address passengers as "Ma'am" or "Sir"? Can there be NO dignity or grace left in travel?

I realize this is a rather inconsequential little gripe, but I think it speaks to the larger issue of passengers being treated with no respect.

(Also I really, REALLY hate being called CATHY.)

Does this nickname thing happen to men as well, or is it a treat reserved for women?

This is a very American thing -- almost everyone is known by their first name and yes, it makes Asians and Europeans very uncomfortable.

You have about zero percent chance of changing this behavior.

So do "Davids" and "Roberts" get demoted to "Daves" and "Bobs"?

It's such an ugly habit, strangers addressing you with the same name that's used by intimates. I'm used to it in a business setting but from people like TSA screeners et cetera it is really too much, and the nickname pushes it into the realm of full-fledged offensive.

Yes, quite frequently.
Oh, then you're going to go ballistic when you meet the first Flight Attendant who says, "I'm Cindy, what's your first name?"

I very rarely go ballistic, and certainly not when someone introduces themselves to me. I do find it offensive when service workers make themselves free with my first name. I notice that these people are very often wearing tags that say "MISTER JONES" or whatever.

What you missed is the fact that everyone at TSA checkpoint covers their badges! This way you dont get to call them back by their first names. Or for that matter get to complain that XYZ at TSA checkpoint was obnoxious.

If they are so concerned about their privacy, how about doing the same?

It happens to everyone and it's becoming more common here. I personally don't see anything wrong with strangers calling me by my first name. I don't think it's a sign of disrespect either.

If they call you by the wrong nickname or name, you could simply correct them and they will most likely say the right one.

I admitted up front that it was a fairly inconsequential rant. I do notice, however, that when I check in (coach or business class), the attendants manage to avoid giving me a nickname and even go so far as to address me as "MS. LASTNAME," so it's hardly unheard of in American society.

>I don't think it's a sign of disrespect either.

But it is. If you were meeting the CEO of your company, or a very important client, or interviewing for a job, you would most likely initially address that person as Mr. or Ms. Why, if not to convey respect?

Of course, if TSA people knew much about interviewing techniques, they would probably have more desirable employment.

I must admit, I am completely confused by your response to what I posted. I blame myself, as it must be my fault, so please allow me to try again...

Welcome to FlyerTalk, BlueGirlGoes! This topic has been discussed at length, albeit more generally, in the Being Addressed By One’s First Name - Is This a Trend? thread.

Click on the bold blue type to access this thread.

Of course it happens to men, and welcome to FlyerTalk, CATHERINE!!!
I guess it should be Ms Lastname, but I can't see your passport from here. :D

[edit: Canarsie beat me to the welcome, it seems]

Thank you Canarsie,

I'm sorry, I didn't recognize it as a link.

I'll check out the other thread. It just seems like such a small thing, to add a level of respect and professionalism, to train TSA staff to address us by honorifics or not at all.

I've been in all three situations and I addressed the people by their first names. No problem! They didn't think I was being disrespectful.

Actually I prefer to be addressed by my first name (nickname at that), but YMMV. When I am addressed as Ms. or Mrs. Traveller, I look around for my mother-in-law. :D

Just kidding (sort of). And welcome to FT!