The sun is shining, and you, my metaphorical children, offspring of the streets that I have led to gleaming success are all happily sitting here waiting for me to impart some of my wisdom to you.

I sometimes refer to those I am addressing as 'Son' - the first time I did this was when a fellow named K_W was very, very upset on IRC Avenue.  I needed to calm him down - he was upset over a duel his grandfather lost.  In a panic, I called him Son to soothe him.  He was soothed, for a while, and life went on.

So, I learned a valuable lesson.  Deploying the term 'Son' can be extraordinarily helpful, particularly when I am trying to demonstrate someone how they can be better, or if I need them to STOP and LISTEN to what I am saying.

I also call at least 17 of my closest friends Son, and they like it.

So, what's the beef?

IS REFERRING TO SOMEONE AS 'SON' GOOD OR BAD?

There’s nothing wrong with employing an affectionate term of endearment, but we have a particularly soft breed roaming the cobbled streets these days. The kind of softness that sees unmade men hitlisted by an anonymous turd, or executing mobsters willing to step up into a street debate… even the crime of infanticide is no longer frowned upon, but actively encouraged and ordered by the heads of Our Thing.

As I say, it’s a weak, soft, easily insulted breed we have patrolling these once great streets, which is why you’re unlikely to see anyone of any real stature responding to this topic - or indeed any queries or debates of any real merit. The issue is endemic, and is propagated from on high, sadly.

I suppose what you're saying Treager is that I've earned the right to call people Son by nature of my leading the streets.  I think you could be right.

It would be Madness to consider the term 'son' condescending, belittling and disrespectful. Clearly a term of endearment and would echo the fact that Kuku has earned the right to call people Son by nature of his leading the streets.

Kuku is correct. As the Leader of the Streets (LoTS), he has earned the right to refer to anyone and everyone as "son". This is as much a part of our traditions as the Codified Street Standards and Hierarchy Act of 1949 which declared that there are two subsets of Street Speakers: The Leader of the Streets (Kuku), and everyone else (Son).

I have nothing but disgust for those who would spit in the face of our traditions. It's who we are.

Oh I concur - emphatically. The only question I have is: why lead just the streets? We have a dearth of quality leaders. We need someone the average Joe can rally behind; a man of the people, for the people. Whilst I appreciate it’s not your place to say, I am able, and I think it’s a crying shame you’ve been overlooked for leadership roles. A slap in the face of the proletariat, one might argue.

Well personally I don't think the usage of "son" itself is bad. But yeah different people different reaction, not everyone might like being called son, and someone might find it maybe annoying or rather offended by it. So yeah, maybe refrain from using that term to someone u don't really know or not really close? Just imho hehe 

ToddChavez makes some valid points. It all comes down to the individual. Respect is equally important on both sides. So if you're aware that someone does not like it, refrain from using it. It's always nice to gain a friend through respect rather than an enemy through disrespect.

I personally find it disrespectful.. but this is the mafia and you can say whatever you want until somebody shoots you for it. 

A young mobster, not made would never walk up to a Godfather and call them son and not find themselves in a puddle of blood.

Kuku is a natural born leader. A man of stature. To question whether he is disrespectful is to *be* disrespectful. I think this fact has been forgotten or lost in communication somewhere along the line here. Speak with respect when you address or speak of the man who leads these streets, and commands the respect of any sane and rational person.

Peons questioning a giant. Go back to your caves.

As someone with daddy issues, Kuku calling me son fills me with the warmth and affection that I never received, while also making me a little horny, in a rather devious and unexpected way. Overall I like it and encourage its sustained usage. 

"As a feminist and burner of bras, i kindly suggest that when adressed at a woman, the term "son" be used in a different way. You could use daughter, or lass. Or does the "son" surpasses gender boundaries? I think its an interest discussion, we live in times where equality matters."

Yax then proceeds to flex while screaming "WE CAN DO IT".

These are interesting points, Hugo and Yax.  Am I being sexist in only referring to people as son?  And do those getting a lot out of it negate the single person thus far to complain?

Madness, mind if I call you Lass instead?

I don't think it's disrespectful. Call em what you want, they can decide on their reaction as they see fit. I honestly wouldn't be all that bothered though, there are other things that are much bigger offenses  of disrespect in my eyes.

Seeing the arguments put forward by many of the Mafia Debating community I have been forced to acknowledge the truth that, the way Kuku uses "son", takes on many different forms.

Sometimes derisive, sometimes patronising, but also sometimes as a simple show of paternal affection.

It should be considered and carefully reviewed on a case by case basis I suppose, and I will take care not to immediately fly off the handle in the future. Perhaps Kuku does see me as a "son" of sorts. I do not know.

That being said, I still think that on average Kuku is an ass, and I will continue to resist his street leadership with my mates.

You make some great points MicroManlet, the way Kuku uses the word "son" may very well be perceived as different every time and have different indentions.

For that very reason, I hearby ask for the creation of The Kuku "Son" Usage Intention Committee or the KSUIC for short. The goal of this committee shall be to determine what the intentions are for every single usage of the word "son" by Kuku. Through a panel of multiple members of the committee (yet to be determined), they will determine these intentions by utilizing empirical evidence, context, and careful consideration. 

I think that you, MicroManlet, would be a great organizer of this committee. We must no longer malicious uses of the word "son" stand in these streets!!!

ToddChavez now you're just being fucking ridiculous and turning this into a joke. What the fuck is it with you people.

Why don't you form the "Chavez Undeservedly Celebrates Kuku Often Like (a) Dimwit Group" or "CUCKOLD Group " in short instead?

Your input is not useful at all, MicroManlet. Todd Chavez proposed creating a committee to serve a specific purpose. He even offered you a chance to redeem yourself by serving as head of the committee. But no, you would rather complain about being called "son" than actually step up, be productive, and do something about it. Instead, you propose a different committee, but you don't even articulate what it is that the committee would do. I suspect you are just trying to get a dig in at Todd.

That is not constructive at all, MicroManlet. It is you who are not taking this seriously. If you are not going to help, at least get out of the way.