Upon earning my degree in secondary education to teach high school English, I quickly began planning for my graduate studies. Many high schools across the nation require teachers to hold a master’s degree, providing both motivation and a potential pay increase. I genuinely enjoyed my academic journey and even considered pursuing a doctorate.
I did graduate with my M.A. in secondary education, crafting a thesis that I’m immensely proud of. Although my career path shifted and I didn’t pursue a doctorate, I would certainly embrace the title of “Dr.” if I had. I envisioned my students—yes, even those moody teenagers who shot daggers at me while reading Shakespeare—addressing me as “Dr.” rather than “Mrs.” or “Miss.”
When I encounter other professionals with a doctorate, I always refer to them appropriately. My children’s principal, Dr. Matthews, was respected without question, just as I have respected my professors. We honor individuals like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. because they have dedicated years and effort to earn their titles.
So, when Dr. Jill Biden earned her Ed.D. from the University of Delaware, she rightfully acquired the title of “Dr.” and deserves to be addressed as such. She is not a medical doctor, nor does she claim to be. Still, the academic community has recognized doctoral titles for centuries.
Regrettably, some individuals appear stuck in outdated thinking, failing to understand higher education, or simply harboring disdain for the Bidens, similar to the way they criticized the Obamas, despite their kindness and support for others—regardless of political affiliation. This scrutiny of Dr. Biden’s title has been amplified by a ridiculous op-ed in The Wall Street Journal, provocatively titled, “Is There a Doctor in the White House? Not if You Need an M.D.” This piece, penned by Joseph Thompson, condescendingly refers to Dr. Biden as “kiddo” and offers unsolicited advice, as if he is qualified to instruct the First Lady on anything.
Thompson further insults her dissertation on student retention at community colleges, deeming it “unpromising” and echoing the outdated notion that one must deliver a child to earn the title “doctor.”
Let’s dissect this nonsense, shall we? First off, Mr. Thompson, your piece reeks of jealousy. It’s unfortunate you didn’t possess the—guts? courage? intellect?—to pursue a doctorate yourself. Your disdain for community colleges, where Dr. Biden has dedicated much of her career, is glaring. Lastly, it is evident that you feel threatened by intelligent women. Bravo.
We can certainly inform all the medical professionals who have tirelessly battled COVID-19 this year—holding the hands of dying patients, creating vaccines—that they cannot refer to themselves as “doctor” simply because they haven’t delivered a newborn. I’m sure they’ll cherish that nugget of wisdom from you—someone with merely an undergraduate degree and no medical credentials.
It’s glaringly obvious that you have personal issues to resolve. Perhaps some self-reflection over the holidays is in order? Why do you care about the title Dr. Biden uses? What frightens you about women achieving greater success than you?
Your ramblings also include a long, incoherent tirade about “honorary doctorates,” which do not apply to Dr. Biden. If you wish to critique the merit of honorary doctorates awarded to celebrities like Stephen Colbert, feel free, but that has nothing to do with Dr. Biden. Your lack of a cohesive argument is why I’ve referred to you as a “writer” earlier; it seems you lack a fundamental understanding of textual support.
Your final argument for Dr. Biden to drop her title was that doctorates no longer hold weight. You reminisce about the rigorous exams of yesteryear, contrasting them with the supposed leniency of modern candidates.
You conclude by noting that Dr. Biden acquired her Ed.D. at age 55, implying that her degree lacks validity because she didn’t faint during her exams. Education evolves, Mr. Thompson. Today, students utilize computers! The notion that doctoral candidates must become physically ill to validate their intelligence is antiquated.
Your former institution, Northwestern University, has distanced itself from you, asserting a commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, which opposes your misogynistic views.
So, we have one individual whose opinions have been disavowed by his educational institution and another—Dr. Biden—who is a passionate advocate for accessible education.
Dr. Biden has consistently championed equitable education for all. Earlier in her career, she taught English in a psychiatric hospital for adolescents with emotional disabilities. She has earned two master’s degrees and works tirelessly to promote community colleges, believing they are “one of America’s best-kept secrets.” Her efforts have changed countless lives.
In summary, Mr. Thompson, your discomfort with a highly accomplished woman soon to occupy the White House is palpable. Dr. Biden inspires many to strive for academic success, which undoubtedly intimidates you. We hope you find peace with your feelings of inadequacy.
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Potential Search Queries:
- How to address a doctor with an Ed.D.?
- The value of community colleges in higher education.
- Misconceptions about doctoral degrees.
- The role of women in education leadership.
- Resources for aspiring educators.
Summary:
In this critique of Joseph Thompson’s op-ed regarding Dr. Jill Biden’s title, the author highlights the importance of acknowledging academic achievements, especially in the context of community colleges, while exposing Thompson’s jealousy and outdated views on education. The piece champions Dr. Biden’s contributions to education and her advocacy for accessible learning opportunities, contrasting her accomplishments with Thompson’s criticisms.
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