Sirs and Dames

**slofox** · 9th March 2009, 13:53

So our esteemed leaders have returned us to the days of yore when knights and dames roamed our shores, bearing titles of "Sir" and "Dame"...
Do you think this is a good idea, a bad idea, do you in fact actually give a rat's arse or have you even woken up yet today..?
Exercise your power - Vote now....

**MisterD** · 9th March 2009, 13:59

Unquestionably a good idea - as is the removal of any other socialist nonsense from the last 9 years.

Arise Sir Pine Tree...

**Maha** · 9th March 2009, 14:24

Colin Meads does not need a Knighthood......he will always be Colin Meads, that in itself is all the recognition he will ever need.
Anybody else......na I dont care either way.

Sir:Maha

**cc rider** · 9th March 2009, 14:29

Don't do it!!!
Think chastity belts, think codpiece

would that make you all Sir Rogers??

**MSTRS:Me** · 9th March 2009, 14:38

Depending on the size of the other fellow's codpiece...you could be Sir Rogered.

As someone who believes we should ditch all ties to Britain, I think Sir/Dame has outlived it's usefulness. But then, what other way of singling out (in address terms) is there for outstanding Kiwis?

**MisterD** · 9th March 2009, 14:50

Originally Posted by MSTRS

As someone who believes we should ditch all ties to Britain, I think Sir/Dame has outlived it's usefulness. But then, what other way of singling out (in address terms) is there for outstanding Kiwis?

The only link to Britain is in the use of the titles "Sir" and "Dame" they're still New Zealand honours that are being given out. Let's be honest the letters after a name mean as much to anyone as the designation of a Jap sprotsbike...and another thing, people who have a PhD can call themselves "Dr" so what's the difference?

When this came up pre-election I remember someone suggesting "The" as a title as in The Colin Meads, which I have to say carries a certain something...

**SPman** · 9th March 2009, 14:50

Originally Posted by MSTRS

But then, what other way of singling out (in address terms) is there for outstanding Kiwis?

Tone of voice!

**MSTRS:Me** · 9th March 2009, 14:53

Originally Posted by SPman

Tone of voice!

So Knobcheese can be said respectfully?

**cc rider** · 9th March 2009, 15:03

Originally Posted by MSTRS

Depending on the size of the other fellow's codpiece...you could be Sir Rogered.

As someone who believes we should ditch all ties to Britain, I think Sir/Dame has outlived it's usefulness. But then, what other way of singling out (in address terms) is there for outstanding Kiwis?

be careful you don't want to be know around the turret as a Sir Lancealot...

I'll bet there are many, many outstanding Kiwis who are just doin their thing, gettin on with life & never get any acknowledgement. To be thought of, remembered in positive terms should be anyones pride

**Mully** · 9th March 2009, 15:05

Don't give a rat's either way - although if they do go back (isn't it a done deal) I do think they should stop cheapening it by giving it to sports players and actors (this wasn't us, but "Sir Clive Woodward" was a joke IMO).

Maybe they can have Sir and Dame for people who have actually done something, and keep the NZ ones for sports players?

Originally Posted by MisterD

and another thing, people who have a PhD can call themselves "Dr" so what's the difference?

Between what and what?? Although, OT, I understand that PhDs are meant to be a lot less liberal about where they sprinkle the title "Dr" around. (Apparently, Cullen wasn't meant to use his in everyday language becuase he wasn't an MD)

**MSTRS:Me** · 9th March 2009, 15:10

Originally Posted by cc rider

I'll bet there are many, many outstanding Kiwis who are just doin their thing, gettin on with life & never get any acknowledgement.

Of course there is. And many (most?) would be embarassed to be 'titled'. Yet some sort of title should be a good thing. Recognition (as in appearance on This Is Your Life) may be one thing, but the ongoing recognition is another. Perhaps something uniquely NZ. A respectful Maori title like Koru/Kuia?

**ManDownUnder** · 9th March 2009, 15:13

GREAT idea.

It's an archaic tradition but "Sir" is recognised throughout the commonwealth, and likely much of the world as something hard to attain, and worthy.

"Order of New Zealand" is much like a Pass in NCEA. Take that to London and ask what the hell it means.

In times of globalisation like now we need things to be understood globally, and if that means adopting archaic titles (that we as NZers are still in control of giving out then it's all upside as far as I can see

**MisterD** · 9th March 2009, 15:14

Originally Posted by Mully

Between what and what?? Although, OT, I understand that PhDs are meant to be a lot less liberal about where they sprinkle the title "Dr" around. (Apparently, Cullen wasn't meant to use his in everyday language becuase he wasn't an MD)

Yeah, I wasn't very clear was I...just trying to make the point that "Sir" and "Dr" are just English language words which go along with a certain set of letters after the name. Any connection with Britain begins and ends there.

**Hitcher** · 9th March 2009, 15:15

I lost interest in the New Years and Queen's Birthday honours once I had difficulty ascertaining the hierarchy difference between the Order of the Kakapo, the Purple Pipi, and the Distinguished Puha Award.

**Hitcher** · 9th March 2009, 15:19

As for the term "doctor", I don't mind people using this term if they actually are one, i.e. they have a PhD or equivalent doctorate degree. I wince at vets, chiropractors, dentists, amongst others, who insist on using this honorific. Just because your professional association decides you are one doesn't make it so.

Don't forget that most medical doctors aren't academic doctors: most have MB ChB degrees i.e. double bachelors qualifications. MDs these days are as scarce as rockinghorse shit.