Dr. Who

[LDAHL]

My humble theory is that it is only those people who feel small themselves that have to trample on others. Why don't those people who demean others see that they are actually self-witnessing their own smallness?

I think we all differ in the ways we grant or demand status recognition, often to hilariously pretentious extremes. Doctorates covers a pretty broad field of specialties. Some of us might, for purely subjective reasons, respect some more than others. It might take six or seven years to become a PhD in Victorian Literature or a finish carpenter. Is one achievement more admirable than the other? Is an Emmy more prestigious than a Distinguished Flying Cross? An EdD more impressive than a DD-214 or a CDL or a Black Belt?

We seem to be overproducing doctorates in the humanities right now. Should that matter in the degree of prestige they command? Are there perhaps better indicators of employability than a BA?

I think we should honor the people who advance the boundaries of human knowledge, but have no problem mocking pretentiousness where it arises; especially in the more desperately status-seeking fields of politics, media and academics.

[catherine]

Yes, do credentials really matter? You are right, they don't necessarily prove worth or value in the marketplace, but the fact that Epstein singled out Dr. Jill Biden in demeaning the honorific speaks volumes about the lingering attitudes about women's worth. To jp's point, maybe her credentials wouldn't be as annoying to Epstein if she were Jill Biden, K.P. It seems women persist in being demeaned for having the same qualities and attributes men are respected for. That's the crux of that op ed piece.

[LDAHL]

I wonder why this is such a hot button thing now. Lynne Cheney had a PhD, and I don’t remember her or anyone else making an issue of it: either by demeaning the honorific or insisting on it’s use.

Epstein seemed kind of churlish about it, in the whole “degree for vice principals” vein, but it also strikes me as odd to demand people use it. I’m inclined to address people however they like, even if it’s just extending courtesy to vanity. It doesn’t cost anything, and it’s not the sort of hill a reasons person would want to die on.

[jp1]

I have to wonder why this is a hot button for the editorialist as well. It really seems like a solution in search of a problem. I have/had various assorted people in my life with doctoral degrees. Some chose to use the title Dr. and some didn't. I'd never really thought much about it until this week and like Ldahl have always just addressed people however they preferred. Thinking back, one of the well loved professors when I was in college, and the head of my department, Alfred Reed, had only an honorary doctorate but everyone called him Dr. Reed because that was what he wanted and we all respected him and his accomplishments enough to do so. He didn't complete (or even attempt to do so as far as I know) whatever requirements some university may have asked in order to bestow a doctorate but a lifetime of significant musical achievement counted enough for us. And as an aside he was also just a really charming, delightful person. His wikipedia page doesn't come close to doing justice to all that he did for his niche in the world of music. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alfred_Reed

[Alan]

I worked with a fair amount of scientists with Doctorates during my time in pharma. None that I recall used the Dr. honorific although all did sign their emails with Name, PhD.
On the other hand, Sheldon Cooper insisted on using the Dr. title, but he was a bit weird.

[jp1]

I worked with a fair amount of scientists with Doctorates during my time in pharma. None that I recall used the Dr. honorific although all did sign their emails with Name, PhD.
On the other hand, Sheldon Cooper insisted on using the Dr. title, but he was a bit weird.

I’m so glad you posted this. You never fail to impress me with your consistency.

[Alan]

I’m so glad you posted this. You never fail to impress me with your consistency.

"I have no consistency, except in politics, and that probably arises from my indifference to the subject altogether." ~ Lord Byron

[razz]

I worked with a fair amount of scientists with Doctorates during my time in pharma. None that I recall used the Dr. honorific although all did sign their emails with Name, PhD. .

Peers do not often need to use titles as they are simply acknowledged by those who understand the efforts to achieve them. They also would not likely refer to each as "kiddo" or attempt to demean the indisputable fact of an earned title and expertise actively in use. Leave that to the small-minded.

I will make two more points and then step out of this thread.

Dr Biden will be very much aware of the intense need for greater basic and advanced education of women around the world. As she travels on behalf of the US as First Lady, by insisting on acknowledgment of her expertise, she will provide leadership of the possibilities available to women in the US and hopefully increase opportunities for contact with and advancement for educational leaders around the world.

Also, how easy it is to target and attempt to demean the very capable and successful spouse of someone who wins! If your family member is targeted and demeaned because of your success, what would you think then?

[bae]

If your family member is targeted and demeaned because of your success, what would you think then?

I would think that the person engaged in this sort of attack must not have any substantial arguments to present.

[Alan]

Also, how easy it is to target and attempt to demean the very capable and successful spouse of someone who wins! If your family member is targeted and demeaned because of your success, what would you think then?

Luckily, I haven't run into that problem. Maybe we should ask Melania Trump how it feels to be demeaned through her associations.