Dear Editor,

Our world has been structured in such a way that titles are bestowed on certain persons of society in order to show their academic achievements, position in high-profile offices, or years of service and contribution within any sector.

These titles and honours run from “your excellency” to Dr. In principle, nothing is wrong with granting these titles to those of true character and credibility. However, some holders of titles are demanding that those under their “command” address them by their assigned title. Mr, Miss or Mrs just won’t do.

I find these people very suspicious whenever I hear holders of titles demanding to be addressed by their title, even stopping persons in the middle of a conversation to remind them that they did not address them by their title.

I say this because I don’t subscribe to the hogwash that people should always address holders of titles purely on the basis that they hold them. Addressing persons by titles of power or honour should be done based on the revelation from rigorous and detailed investigation that those persons are in fact exemplary, decent, and competent citizens of society, and not on the premise that those persons hold high offices and fancy degrees.

Respect from anyone should be earned and not demanded or inherited. I recall a judge forcing a court attendee to refer to him as “your honour”, and threatening to charge him for contempt of court if he refused to do so. He shares a view similar to mine.

If someone is really decent, then that person would not have to go around advertising to the populace that he/she is a holder of a title of power or honour. Instead, allow people to gradually develop their own special respect and admiration.

It is widely known that several holders of high office are corrupt and immoral. Why then should we be forced to honour them. Throw out the rotten eggs!

Garth “Sub-Zero” Allen

excellentsub@hotmail.com