Sirs and Dames

**MSTRS:Me** · 9th March 2009, 15:21

Originally Posted by MisterD

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.

Leave 'Dr' out of the equation, as it has other connotations. But 'Sir' and 'Dame' have the association with Knight of the Realm. Which is strictly British. I don't know how you can have one without the other.

**MisterD** · 9th March 2009, 15:29

Originally Posted by MSTRS

Leave 'Dr' out of the equation, as it has other connotations. But 'Sir' and 'Dame' have the association with Knight of the Realm. Which is strictly British. I don't know how you can have one without the other.

So should we dismantle our legal and parliamentary systems because they too are based on British originals?

**MisterD** · 9th March 2009, 15:32

...and another thing: I think this is a positive step in making the honours system easier for the great unwashed to relate to (and if they can't what is the point in having honours?) but far more important is to stop the practice of handing the things out as part of the retirement package for politicians...

**MSTRS:Me** · 9th March 2009, 15:41

Originally Posted by MisterD

So should we dismantle our legal and parliamentary systems because they too are based on British originals?

Not if they work. Do they? If not, then change as required. The important bit being that it 'works'. Without Britain being the ultimate arbiter.
As far as Sir/Dame is concerned, I can live with their use in the absence of a suitable alternate title. At least, those terms are recognised internationally that the holder is, or has done something, special.

**roogazza** · 9th March 2009, 15:42

Originally Posted by Hitcher

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.

Sir Hitch , you get my vote, very funny ! G.

**MSTRS:Me** · 9th March 2009, 15:46

SA is a republic, but retains membership of the Commonwealth. Do safers use the Sir/Dame thing? And what do Americans do for titled recognition? I'm not interested in being like them, but if they have any such title there, I am not aware.

**Mully** · 9th March 2009, 15:55

Originally Posted by MSTRS

As far as Sir/Dame is concerned, I can live with their use in the absence of a suitable alternate title.

What about "Good Bloke" and " Good Sheila"??

Good Bloke Edmund Hilary
Good Sheila Kiri Te Kanawa

**Bend-it** · 9th March 2009, 15:56

I like the idea of "Sir"s and "Dame"s. If people have genuinely contributed to society, then recognising them is a good thing! Which means 2 things:-

1. They have genuinely contributed to society, as opposed to being entertainment figures (which includes professional sports). This doesn't exclude people like Bono who have used their celebrity status for good, but it is the "good" we celebrate, not the celebrity.

2. "Sir" and "Dame" are easily recognisable, as opposed to whatever it was changed to. And doesn't necessarily tie up to colonial days, otherwise we'd have to start speaking another language, which is okay for me, I speak 3 others. Most kiwis would struggle, I supect...

**cc rider** · 9th March 2009, 16:26

Originally Posted by Bend-it

I like the idea of "Sir"s and "Dame"s.

would that make you 'Your Royal Hini Sir Bend-it' .....has a certain ring to it

**spookytooth** · 9th March 2009, 16:30

I didn't know they had stopped using the sirs and shit,so i dont care if they start again.I won't be calling any one sir, dame or watever

**AllanB** · 9th March 2009, 16:34

Sir Allan B

Yes sir I like it

**cc rider** · 9th March 2009, 16:35

Originally Posted by MSTRS

.....And what do Americans do for titled recognition? I'm not interested in being like them, but if they have any such title there, I am not aware.

They'd buy one...

**Magua** · 9th March 2009, 16:42

Seems pointless, you don't need a title to tell what kind of person someone is.

**Ixion** · 9th March 2009, 17:26

Originally Posted by MSTRS

Leave 'Dr' out of the equation, as it has other connotations. But 'Sir' and 'Dame' have the association with Knight of the Realm. Which is strictly British. I don't know how you can have one without the other.

No such thing as a Knight of the Realm. Knight of the Shire, or Peer of the Realm. But NZ is a realm anyway

Originally Posted by Magua

Seems pointless, you don't need a title to tell what kind of person someone is.

True. But that's not the point of the honour. It's a recognition, in effect the whole country saying "We think you're a damn good bastard". As Mr Hitcher says, no matter how exalted the order of the kakapo is it doesn't actually mean anything. Cos noone knows about it, y'can't be publicly lauded in secret. Whereas Sir Brett is recognition.

I'm in favour of them, provided they are only given to genuine good cunts. Which means a lot fewer each year.