So noted, but outside a professional or academic context, mentioning our academic credentials would seem to be more off-putting than not. In the political world, where personal titles ascribed to individuals in their present or former capacities tend to be more honorific than meaningful, in the sense that a former ambassador is still an ambassador in matters of address, as with former Congressmen and Senators. We do this sometimes in order to signify a heightened level of seriousness, gravitas, and authority to speak, when these individuals are interviewed for their views on public affairs. In those instances, the mentioning of the title, or former title, the relationship of the title, or former title, the purpose of the interview is self-evident and obvious. In democratic societies, the use of social titles in matters outside their professional capacities is generally considered déclassé, as in drawing unnecessary attention to oneself as a cut above the ordinary. For people of egalitarian mien, like the Bidens, who present themselves simply as Joe and Jill, I just do not see that happening.
Yes, the familiar is welcome, such as Joe and Jill. But you referred to her with a title of Ms., in a context when the title of Dr. was appropriate, and Ms. was diminishing.
“In those instances, the mentioning of the title, or former title, the relationship of the title, or former title, the purpose of the interview is self-evident and obvious. In democratic societies, the use of social titles in matters outside their professional capacities is generally considered déclassé, as in drawing unnecessary attention to oneself as a cut above the ordinary.”
Dr. Biden intends to return to teaching, in addition to her duties as First Lady. Her credentials and title, in that context, are still appropriate.
Agreed, you and several others have made your point. I apologize for the omission, and my sole excuse would have to be the late hour I was writing that comment. Thank you all for reminding me.
As I love what you have so cogently written, may I offer one correction? Jill Biden, Ed.D., has earned the title of Dr. Biden.
President and Dr. Biden. I’ve seen it in headlines, and I like it, very much!
👍🏻❤️🤍💙
So noted, but outside a professional or academic context, mentioning our academic credentials would seem to be more off-putting than not. In the political world, where personal titles ascribed to individuals in their present or former capacities tend to be more honorific than meaningful, in the sense that a former ambassador is still an ambassador in matters of address, as with former Congressmen and Senators. We do this sometimes in order to signify a heightened level of seriousness, gravitas, and authority to speak, when these individuals are interviewed for their views on public affairs. In those instances, the mentioning of the title, or former title, the relationship of the title, or former title, the purpose of the interview is self-evident and obvious. In democratic societies, the use of social titles in matters outside their professional capacities is generally considered déclassé, as in drawing unnecessary attention to oneself as a cut above the ordinary. For people of egalitarian mien, like the Bidens, who present themselves simply as Joe and Jill, I just do not see that happening.
Yes, the familiar is welcome, such as Joe and Jill. But you referred to her with a title of Ms., in a context when the title of Dr. was appropriate, and Ms. was diminishing.
“In those instances, the mentioning of the title, or former title, the relationship of the title, or former title, the purpose of the interview is self-evident and obvious. In democratic societies, the use of social titles in matters outside their professional capacities is generally considered déclassé, as in drawing unnecessary attention to oneself as a cut above the ordinary.”
Dr. Biden intends to return to teaching, in addition to her duties as First Lady. Her credentials and title, in that context, are still appropriate.
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/20/us/politics/jill-biden-first-lady.html
Agreed, you and several others have made your point. I apologize for the omission, and my sole excuse would have to be the late hour I was writing that comment. Thank you all for reminding me.