Believe it or not but I get called “Sir” by many of the students. When walking around campus I get called “Sir” all the time. I keep telling my students not to call me “Sir”, I tell them that as yet I have not been knighted by the Queen !!
Supposed to be a sign of respect. It may very well be a sign of respect. The locals might have been calling white people “Sir” for over 100 years. The fact is I'm not comfortable being called “Sir”. Even had I been knighted, I still would not feel comfortable being called “Sir”.
The name is Robert….
The knowledge they are looking for can not be gained from their peers. Therefore you must place yourself at an appropriate level above their social level. To be able to open their minds to “reformating”, your presence must support the notion that you are the “expert” or higher authority capable of imparting accurate and relevant information in a learnable structure.
Also, you are probably as deserving of the title of “Sir” as any other reciepiant offically knighted by Lizzy.
Maybe another version of “To Sir With Love”.
Regards Noel