Sir

When I walk around Over-the-Rhine going about my business, I'm surprised how many African-Americans address me as "sir."  It's not just because I'm a senior citizen; this has been the case for many years. And it's young, old, male and female African-Americans.

But I have never overheard a white person address an African-American in the same civil way. Does this happen? If not, why not? If so, let me know about it.