Letters

On December 11, The Wall Street Journal published an op-ed by Joseph Epstein that essentially insulted Jill Biden for using the honorific “Dr.” in front of her name. The article, simply put, was obnoxious, not to mention patronizing and sexist.

It seemed that the only point of the article was to portray Mr. Epstein as witty and controversial. Then one of the intellectual heavyweights from Fox News, Tucker Carlson, joined in and compared Dr. Biden to Dr. Pepper or Bill Cosby.

There was well-deserved backlash, but, sadly, the article reflected a reality in this country: White privileged men, or pretty much anyone, believe they can insult a woman for anything, just because they feel like it. Even if that woman is the incoming first lady, who is accomplished, effective, strong and articulate. Epstein seemed totally at ease with calling her “kiddo.”

I was admitted to a Ph.D. program in psychology in my early 40s after I had already earned two graduate degrees, much like Jill. I was chosen by New York University as one of only five applicants out of 1,200 to be admitted. The percentage was about the same for Columbia that year, where I was also admitted.

Then I spent 10 years (Jill evidently spent seven) adjusting my work schedule and my personal life to the rigors of completing that degree, culminating in my defending my 150-page research thesis in front of a committee.

But that’s not something either Mr. Epstein or Mr. Carlson would know anything about, because they never earned a doctorate, did they?

So do I use the term “Dr.” or attach a “Ph.D.” after my name anytime I feel like it? You betcha. Not only do I do so with pride but I will openly say to any girl or boy: Earning a doctorate is quite an accomplishment!

As for our first ladies, there are those who would say that we have already had to endure that haughty Hillary Clinton, and then, worse than that, uppity Michelle Obama, both flaunting their Ivy league law degrees. Both were active and vocal, and were close confidantes of their president-husbands.

Would it be better if all three took their cues from Melania Trump? Melania dresses beautifully, looks pretty and keeps her mouth shut.

Hold on to your hats, everybody. If Mr. Epstein and Mr. Carlson feel it’s okay to criticize Jill Biden for proudly identifying herself as earning a doctorate, not only will there be incredible backlash against Kamala Harris, but we will continue to vilify any first lady who steps outside an outdated though traditional role.

I anticipate that Dr. Jill Biden will be criticized for lots of things — this doctorate nonsense is just the beginning.

Paula Angelone, Ph.D.

Southampton Village