After graduating with my hard-earned degree in English education, I eagerly set my sights on pursuing graduate studies. Many high schools across the nation require teachers to hold a master’s degree, which served as a strong motivator for me. Not only would it lead to a pay increase, but I also genuinely loved the learning process. At one point, I even considered continuing on to earn my doctorate.
I ultimately graduated with a Master’s in Secondary Education, completing a thesis that I take great pride in. While I chose not to pursue a doctorate, rest assured I would have proudly claimed that title. I wanted my students—even the most skeptical teenagers whose glares could pierce through me while I introduced them to Shakespeare—to call me “Dr.” instead of “Mrs.” or “Miss.”
When I encounter professionals with the title of “Dr.,” I address them accordingly. My children’s principal, Dr. Matthews, received that title without question. Professors at both undergraduate and graduate levels were always referred to with the same respect. We recognize esteemed individuals like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., because they have put in the effort, time, and commitment necessary to earn that title.
So yes, when Dr. Jill Biden earned her Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) from the University of Delaware, she rightfully earned the title of “Dr.” and deserves to be addressed as such. Is she a medical doctor? No. Does she claim to be? No. Yet, professionals in academia have used the title “Dr.” for centuries once they obtain their doctorate.
However, some individuals, stuck in outdated views or simply determined to criticize the Bidens as they did the Obamas, seem unable to acknowledge this. A recent op-ed in The Wall Street Journal, titled “Is There a Doctor in the White House? Not if You Need an M.D.,” foolishly suggested that Jill Biden should consider dropping the honorific, claiming it feels “fraudulent” or even “comic.”
Joseph Merrick, the author of this ill-informed piece, begins by condescendingly referring to Dr. Biden as “kiddo” and offering her unsolicited advice, as if he is in any position to counsel the First Lady on anything. “Madame First Lady—Mrs. Biden—Jill—kiddo: a bit of advice on what may seem like a small but I think is a not unimportant matter,” Merrick mansplains.
He then goes on to belittle her dissertation on student retention at community colleges, labeling it “unpromising,” and ironically referencing the outdated notion that one cannot call themselves “doctor” unless they’ve delivered a child.
Let’s break this down, shall we? First, Mr. Merrick, your piece drips with envy. It’s unfortunate you didn’t possess the… courage? dedication? intellect? (who knows) to earn a doctorate yourself, but your bitterness is palpable. It’s also clear you have little respect for community colleges, where Dr. Biden dedicated a significant part of her career. Lastly, it’s evident that you feel threatened by capable women. Bravo.
Moreover, we should inform all medical professionals who have tirelessly fought against COVID-19, comforting dying patients and developing life-saving vaccines, that they apparently cannot call themselves “doctor” because they haven’t delivered a newborn. I’m sure this will be valuable insight for them—checks notes—from a man with one undergraduate degree, no doctorate, and no medical qualifications.
Essentially, it’s obvious you have personal issues to confront. Perhaps you should take some time for self-reflection over the holidays? Why are you so concerned with what title Dr. Biden chooses to use? Why are you so intimidated by successful women?
Your article then descends into a muddled rant about “honorary doctorates,” which is irrelevant to Dr. Biden’s case. If you want to criticize the practice of granting honorary degrees to celebrities like Stephen Colbert and Seth Meyers, feel free, but that has nothing to do with her. This disjointed argument is why I previously referred to you as a “writer,” as it’s evident you lack basic textual support.
Your final “argument” for why Dr. Biden should abandon her title is that doctoral degrees supposedly don’t hold the same weight anymore. You nostalgically reminisce about the rigorous doctoral exams of yesteryear, suggesting today’s candidates have it too easy. “One had to pass examinations in two foreign languages, one of them Greek or Latin,” you lament. “At Columbia University of an earlier day, a secretary sat outside the room where these examinations were administered, a pitcher of water and a glass on her desk. The water and glass were there for the candidates who fainted.”
And you conclude with, “Dr. Jill, I note you acquired your Ed.D. as recently as 15 years ago at age 55,” implying that because she didn’t faint during her exams, her degree is somehow less valid.
The reality is education evolves. Today’s students use computers, a shocking revelation for you, I’m sure. We’ve learned that doctoral candidates don’t need to become physically ill to prove their intelligence and worth!
It’s also worth noting that Northwestern University, where you were once an “emeritus lecturer of English,” has removed all mentions of you from their website, stating their commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion while firmly opposing your misogynistic views. Change is good.
In the end, it’s clear that one of you is a misogynist without a teaching record to boast about, while the other is a successful educator dedicated to providing quality education for all. Oh, and the latter goes by “Dr.”
Moreover, Dr. Biden has always advocated for ensuring that everyone—not just elitists like you—has access to a fair education. Earlier in her career, she worked in a psychiatric hospital, teaching English to adolescents with emotional disabilities, all while earning two master’s degrees. After completing her doctorate, she began teaching English at Northern Virginia Community College, passionately advocating for community college education.
Dr. Biden has consistently highlighted how community colleges can change lives. She has traveled the country to showcase successful partnerships between community colleges and employers. In 2010, she hosted the first-ever White House Summit on Community Colleges with President Obama, continually working to promote this crucial outreach.
Dr. Biden’s efforts have significantly impacted countless hardworking Americans. She inspires future educators who often juggle full-time jobs, families, and night classes. She provides opportunities for high school students who may choose community college over traditional universities.
So, Mr. Merrick, it seems you’re quite upset that a woman who is about to step into the White House is smarter than you. Her success inspires women everywhere to pursue their degrees and exceed your accomplishments. That must be a difficult reality for you to face.
Best of luck with your writing career, kiddo!
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Possible Search Queries:
- Benefits of community colleges
- How to support women in education
- Importance of doctoral titles
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- Dr. Jill Biden’s contributions to education
In summary, Joseph Merrick’s outdated views on Dr. Biden’s title reflect his insecurities rather than any real argument about the value of education. Dr. Biden has dedicated her career to ensuring access to education for all, particularly through community colleges, while Merrick remains entrenched in a past that does not honor the contributions of women in academia.
Keyphrase: Dr. Jill Biden’s Education
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