Barack Obama apologised for calling a reporter "sweetie"

A brief exchange with a reporter has triggered a new debate over what to say and what not to say depending on the circumstances.

Touring a car factory in Detroit, Senator Obama was asked by a television news reporter what his plans were for American auto-workers.

His response in part was: "Hold on a second sweetie..."

That sparked a wave of reaction, from suggestions that he had overstepped his mark, was rude, sexist, disrespectful and politically incorrect.

That was from those who felt the remark was out-of-place.

Some other people say it's been much ado about nothing.

Listen to Senator Obama's "sweetie" comment

However Senator Obama apologised.

Listen to his apology

Sweetie, Darling, Love, Luv, Doodoo, Dushi, Honey, Babes, Baby are commonly used greetings in the Caribbean, largely by men to women - but also by women to men.

But, we ask, are such 'terms of endearment' out-of-place in today's world?

Are they too suggestive and even impolite?

Have they become politically incorrect?

I can understand both points for and against the use of such terms. Depending on the individual it's coming from it could be genuine or not. How it's said and the circumstances should determine someone’s response. I don't think that it's wrong or politically incorrect but I do believe that there's an appropriate time for everything.
Stan Richards
Bath Estate, Dominica

I feel that the whole thing was taken out of context. ´Sweetie´ doesn’t necessarily pertain to anything sexual, but using the term with a stranger can soften communication and give a conversation a more affectionate tone. To me, this demonstrates that Senator Obama actually has a soul, and can connect with the public. Americans first of all have huge problems with ``invasion of personal space.´´ Their culture is more individualistic rather than community-based. Hence, with casual acquaintances, Americans tend to feel uncomfortable exchanging affectionate words, or giving an acquaintance a hug, for example. It’s all very suppressive if you ask me. Praise Jah Senator Obama seems to be different!
Zeina
St. John´s, Antigua

I am assuming the people who found the remark 'offensive' have other more pressing issues in their lives. Let us remember there are a lot more pressing issues in the world than taking offense to such a remark. Those people who took offense have too much time on their hands!
Laurna
Essex, ENGLAND

My Lord! What’s the fuss about? I refer to almost everyone I know as sweetie, honey, babes and darling, especially if I can’t remember the person's name. And believe me, I mean no disrespect! What's the big deal? It's my way of being friendly, and being from the Caribbean, I just happen to be a very friendly person.
I am shocked to hear persons from the Caribbean saying that they think being called honey is disrespectful. Huh? Where did you grow up?
Lynette
St. Kitts

I don't think Mr Obama's comments are acceptable in the circumstances in which they were used. The point is, he wouldn't have called a man sweetie and that makes it derogatory and sexist. I have had to deal with these sorts of references in my professional life as well. If a friend calls you sweetie or uses a term of endearment that is okay but it is never okay anywhere else.
DB
Jamaica

I think the whole thing is ridiculous. People in this country take everything too serious, and it's as though the reporters have nothing better to do than to make mountains out of mole hills. The question did Sen. Obama hold her hand tenderly and say "hold on a second sweetie"? If it were me, I'd be tickled to death. At least he was not rude about it. Like the saying goes “only in America.” I'm from the Caribbean and I call people sweetie and honey all the time.
Thea
Atlanta, USA

I agree with Dave from New Zealand. I could not have said it any better. We need to lighten up. And for those of you who think Obama's response was politically incorrect, you are not really from the Caribbean.
Stephens
Richmond, USA

Does the world need to take issue with every inconsequential utterance voiced by everyone? Give me a break!
Roy
SVG

I also would have laughed if addressed ‘Sweetie’ by Mr. Obama. Anyway – do the English still address others ‘Hello Luv’? Nothing wrong with that either. In this highly ‘sexualised’ world that we live in – some terms when used, tend to remove stings or lighten a potentially volatile situation. My mom refers most many persons as ‘sweetheart’, or she might say ‘oh never mind my honey’.
Karen
Jamaica

I agree with Vesta of Jamaica. These terms are relative in nature and would have a different meaning to everyone. So it does depend on how and where they are used.
S Ramlochan
Port-Of-Spain, Trinidad

I am a Caribbean national and we in the Caribbean usually use these terms especially if you respect someone and would like them to know that you have nothing but kindness, caring, respect and love for them. All this in my opinion is just politics and nothing else. If he had call her by another word like what is presently being use by most black Americans and those in the rap world, it would have been another thing. But sweetie, love, madame, ma'am it is all good. We in the Caribbean should not get involve in such petty issues. This word is better than what we are presently fighting to prevent our youths from using and it is what we should encourage our youths to use instead of the B...., Wh... and the like.
Come on Caribbean people let us be who we are and not let others change us in this way as they have done in other ways.
Lincoln
St. Kitts and Nevis

My experience with countries that where once British colonies is filled with 1 million spoken and unspoken rules. Methinks thou doth protest too much.
Ivette
Panama

Criticism of this is ridiculous. Critics are out of weapons when this obvious colloquial graciousness is turned into a campaign issue. Ridiculous.
Brown Williams
Boston, USA

Anything is better than Dude, Dawg or Yaul! I'm a guy and I'll take any "Sweety", "Dahling" and "Baby" from anyone whose sole purpose is to greet me, even if it comes from another guy! Some people just don't know where else to find ways and places to drop their divisive messages and intentions.
Ale
Christiansted, US VI

I think this is another example of us losing parts of ourselves. Some may argue that this is a part we can do without but nonetheless it is those little bits that are summed up to make us who we are. I would hate to see the Caribbean folk become like everyone else. As a Caribbean man I have no qualms with such terms. I wonder if our ladies do.
Dave
Christchurch, New Zealand

I have been away form home for quite a few years now. Maybe before I thought to take offense to being called "Doodo" "Babe" "Sweetie" or any name other than that which is on my B-Cert (birth certificate). Once consciousness came so did disgust with being addressed in any of the above terms.
C. Matthew
Baltimore, USA

These greetings are used every day, even I use them but the thing is you have to know who you're addressing. The person you're addressing must be someone you know, a co-worker, a friend but please not with a complete stranger.
Rajesh Damru
Corriverton, Guyana

I think that it's all in the tone of the remark, but from this woman's point of view if we're not related or close friends, I won't take to kindly any man referring to me as Sweetie or Babes. I think it's disrespectful.
Janella
Kingston, Jamaica

I see or hear nothing wrong in using these terms. They are usually a sign that you and a person are on the same wavelength and are communicating well. It seems that some people are so taken up with being "perfect" in today’s political world that they want to change our very own way of life and cultural norms. Is it a crime to be yourself and allow people to see the REAL you?
Thompson
St. George's, Grenada

The comment is not at all offensive. In the West Indies where I come from those words are common vernacular greetings.
Rawle Roachford
Miramar, USA

I don't find the comment offensive at all. We would have ten thousand apologies an hour for every time that phrase is said during a normal working day.

Greg
Antigua

A Caribbean leader (name given) was on a walk-about during which he (it was a he) entered a store and began chatting with one of the customer service attendants.
One responded and said in part ".... yes sweetie..."
Security personnel immediately tried contacting a senior store official to report and have the breach of protocol corrected.
(Contributor known to BBC Caribbean)

These terms are generally received in good faith around the Caribbean. However, they are usually not accetpable in professional life. These terms can be distasteful depending on when, where or how used. In this case it was used very casually, hence I would not consider it to be offensive.

Vesta
Jamaica