Student to Teacher: Why Call Ma‘am or Sir?

As a tradition of human profession, students will call their teachers ma‘am or sir. That is fine, especially if in the classroom. However, because I am young enough (21 y.o.), which sometimes I experienced having students older than me, I entered a covenant with my students: that is, not to address me Sir wherever we meet outside the school campus, like in a market or in a mall.

This policy of mine aroused negative attention with some of my fellows. One of my fellow teacher said that “I am teaching the students to degrade the teaching position.“ Really, is that degrading?

My argument is simple. First, I have my right, my own right, to make such covenant with the students of mine. Second, I have this feeling, personal feeling, that calling such in places outside the university ignites the far relationship (superior over errand boy) between teachers and students. Third, the traditional way of addressing ma‘am or sir towards teachers is actually a debate in some places because studies aver that it creates feeling towards students, wherein they are shy or fell uncomfortable towards their teacher. And it is really true. In fact, in our office alone, I saw one student, upon entering the classroom, made sign of the cross and is very nervous in trying to approach her teacher. What kind of teachers, the medium of learning are we creating? A terror one! Que barbaridad!!

I even reacted when another fellow of mine said that if I talk with a student, I should always stand atleast 1 meter away, Oh my GOD! what is this???