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In a splenetic @WSJ essay, the misogynist Joseph Epstein uses @DrBiden’s academic attainment to publicly work through his self-esteem issues. He pretends a sensible argument that only physicians are ‘doctors.’ So, about that... https://www.wsj.com/articles/is-there-a-doctor-in-the-white-house-not-if-you-need-an-m-d-11607727380
It is telling, but understandable, to think that only physicians are actual doctors, and that others using the title are therefore pretenders. But the term has specific academic roots, recognizing the most *learned*, and thereby most qualified to teach or practice a skill. So...
You have “Doctor of Philosophy” (PhD) to indicate you’ve attained the highest academic rank in your field (ranging from astrophysics to zoology.) This is considered a “research” vs. “professional” degree. Examples of the latter are J.D.s, E.D.s and (wait for it)... M.D.s
But...
But...
Most revealing is Epstein’s claim that none who have earned the title of “doctor” ought to use it unless they are medical doctors, conflated in half a column devoted to disparaging *honorary* doctorates. That’s the tell. Dr. Biden’s Ed.D. is an earned professional degree...
As in all society, women in academia must contend with not being taken seriously (e.g., a @wsj columnist and its editors comfortably addressing a professional woman in the public sphere as “kiddo.”) ALL who’ve earned the credential are entitled to use it as they choose, and...
In particular we must recognize accomplished women and support their use of all available means to signify their expertise, attainment, and the hard work it took to earn their credentials in a misogynistic culture...
Dr. Biden will become first partner without subsuming her individual persona nor professional career, which she plans to continue.
I celebrate this.
I celebrate this.
