NPR’s All Things Considered did a story two days ago on former Barclays CEO Bob Diamond’s gaffe of addressing British members of Parliament at a hearing by their first names. The story was introduced like this:
ROBERT SIEGEL, HOST:
Think of situations where it’s expected for people of any rank and station to address one another by first name: a progressive school, an AA meeting, the Israeli Army. Well, now think of places where you wouldn’t be caught dead addressing or referring to authority figures with such informality. Etc.
Is that even true? Speak, veterans.
I heard this the other day and thought of posting about it here. My jaw dropped when I heard it. What the devil was going through Robert Siegel’s mind when he said that? And what are Americans supposed to think? It’s just weird and out of place. Actually, it comes across as a joke being played on NPR listeners. The subtext is: “You people are such suckers that we can push the most blatant propaganda upon you and there’s nothing you can do about it.”
Note the phrasing: “Think of situations…” As if this particular one comes naturally to mind. We’re supposed to sigh in agreement and recognition. Well, no, the overwhelming majority of listeners are not going to think of the IDF in this situation.
Gee, not only is the IDF the World’s Most Moral Military, but also the Most Egalitarian!
Who knew? Thanks, Bob Siegel, for paying such good attention back on your Birthright junket. Remind me never to play Trivial Pursuit: Eretz Yisrael Edition with this guy.
Expected? Hardly. Only if they serve together.
You won’t find Pvt. Tooshik, for example, addressing the Minister of [War], Ehud Barak, as “Udi”.
Well at NPR you’re required not only to use both names, but to pronounce them in a very specific way.
I’m RO-bert SEE-gull
That’s it, Robbie baby. Show the world the Zionist in you.