[Elecraft] respect of persons

[Ron D'Eau Claire]

Thom, if you've ever read my posts here you would know that I use "op"
without respect for gender, age, status, lack of status, visual acuity,
mode preference, pitch of voice, CW speed, etc. etc. 

In short I use "op" interchangeably with "Ham" for a little variety. I
sort of picked it up over the years because I have spoken with a great
many radio operators who are NOT "Hams".  I don't know what "tradition"
you are referring to. I learned it from commercial radio operators 40
years ago. 

It's purely a personal choice that I do not push on anyone, but I prefer
not to use gender-specific terms when there is no reason to establish
the gender.

I was "taught" by some of the best, by the way and I've been through the
whole process. Back in the 60's as a writer I had to buy my own
typewriter to use at Lockheed Missiles and Space. Back then "men" did
NOT use typewriters. Only "typists" used typewriters, and "typists" all
wore skirts. Us guys had to make do with a pencil and paper, or a
dictating machine. I hated both. I brought my own typewriter into the
office, threw it on my desk and proceeded to cause a "scandal". 

Fast forward through the mini-skirt and micro-skirt revolution (they
WERE distracting to this 20-something male) to the day I was a manager
at Hewlett-Packard with a Marketing Communications group that consisted
of five women. I won't try to describe them, but one year at our
division Christmas party, the Division Manager gave a commendation to
"Ron's Angels". ("Charlie's Angels" was a very popular TV show at that
time). It was sort of appropriate for the time because, in addition to
their good looks, they were all very competent professionals. And I
prided myself on recognizing that. 

Then, one day, we were all going to lunch together and as we approached
the elevator door I reached between two of the ladies in front of me to
push the elevator call button. One of them gently took my wrist, smiled
and said, "You know, Ron, it's time you learned that we know how to push
the elevator button too..."  And my education commenced from that day
forward...

Two years later they gave ME an award at the Christmas party, but that's
another story. 

Ron AC7AC
K2 # 1289


-----Original Message-----
Do you use OP for all operators, thus watering down the traditions, or
use it to address those who you know are females?

Guess I'm behind the curve, but I always thought the ladies were
addressed as YL's/XYL's.

Such a throwback I am...I still offer to open doors for women...and some
of the ones my age are appreciative, while some of newer vintage get all
upset.


Thom