Ava DuVernay would appreciate it if people would quit referring to her as “Auntie Ava” on Twitter. Recently, the “When They See Us” director sat down with Van Lathan for an episode of The Red Pill Podcast and she had no qualms with letting folks know that she is not at all amused by those shenanigans. It all started when Lathan expressed that he felt the need to refer to the accomplished director as “Miss Ava.” Van, who was clearly confused, asked what was so horrible about it. At this point, Ava opened up about her pet peeve: being called “auntie.” “Am I that old?” she questions. “I don’t feel that old. And it’s not a respect thing. Don’t give me that. Auntie Ava? Like Aunt Jemima?” Van continued to push the respect angle, but Ava wasn’t having it. Personally, I get where Ava is coming from, but I also understand Van’s rationale. In many Black families, you refer to women who are a bit older than you as “auntie” out of respect. I could see how randomly calling a woman, who is of no blood relation to you, “auntie” could be perceived as ageist shade. Is calling random women “auntie” a bit shady or is it simply demonstrating respect and endearment?
Is Calling Random Women “Auntie” Ageist Shade Or A Sign Of Respect?
Ava DuVernay would appreciate it if people would quit referring to her as “Auntie Ava” on Twitter. Recently, the “When They See Us” director sat down with Van Lathan for an episode of The Red Pill Podcast and she had no qualms with letting folks know that she is not at all amused by those shenanigans. It all started when Lathan expressed that he felt the need to refer to the accomplished director as “Miss Ava.” Van, who was clearly confused, asked what was so horrible about it. At this point, Ava opened up about her pet peeve: being called “auntie.” “Am I that old?” she questions. “I don’t feel that old. And it’s not a respect thing. Don’t give me that. Auntie Ava? Like Aunt Jemima?” Van continued to push the respect angle, but Ava wasn’t having it. Personally, I get where Ava is coming from, but I also understand Van’s rationale. In many Black families, you refer to women who are a bit older than you as “auntie” out of respect. I could see how randomly calling a woman, who is of no blood relation to you, “auntie” could be perceived as ageist shade. Is calling random women “auntie” a bit shady or is it simply demonstrating respect and endearment?
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