Why did Emelia address Jim and Zelda as Mr. and Mrs. Snyder? What might the formal manner of address mean to them?

Question

Emelia coordinated a Meals on Wheels Program for the elderly, and supervised 10 volunteers who delivered the meals. One day, when Emelia filled in for a volunteer and delivered a meal to the Snyders, she found Mr. Snyder very agitated and worried because Mrs. Snyder was missing. Apparently she had wandered off before. Because it was cold outside and they lived two blocks from a busy street, Emelia was alarmed and struggled with how to respond to this unexpected situation. As she tried to prioritize her responsibilities, she began to wonder if her volunteers were communicating with her and if they were well-trained for their responsibilities.

Answer 1

Emelia was careful to address both of them using the polite and formal address, even though they called each other by their first names. Among the current cohort of older people, using the last name may be perceived as more respectful and polite. This point would be especially important in dealing with clients from oppressed racial minority groups who may have been called by their first name in a way that robbed them of their dignity. It may be that adults who were participants in the 60s, as they grow older, have a different perception of using last names, and might prefer informal forms of address. However, it would be wise for Emelia to be cautious and to avoid using a first name unless she had a clear invitation or indication that a client wanted it.