Let’s Call Jill Biden “First Doc”!

People never called me “Doctor” or “Professor” when I was coaching children’s t-ball, softball or Little League – with the rare exception of “Hey Doc, catch this one!” My friends and family don’t start texts with “Doctor Reardon” or ask when I pick up the phone: “Is this Doctor Reardon?” But when I’m introduced at a professional event, at a dinner afterward or on any number of occasions, the title is often used. I might follow with, “Please call me Kathleen.” I might not. It’s a call you learn to make and it has nothing to do with snobbery.

I’m sure Jill Biden’s family members don’t greet her with “Doctor Biden” before they hug her. Neither do mine. Like all things, there’s a time and a place. But Jill Biden is a public figure. When she is introduced in public venues, people extend her the courtesy of using her well-earned title. My friend who is a general doesn’t expect me to greet her with other than her first name. But were I to introduce her to a gathering, her impressive military title would not be omitted.

Yet, here we are having to deal with whether the soon-to-be First Lady deserves to be introduced as Dr. Biden. Personally, I’m all for calling her “First Doc.” It has a nice ring. An article published in the Wall Street Journal sarcastically seeks to cast aspersions on Biden for allowing others to address her as Dr. Biden. As if she should club them if they do.

I wrote a scene in my latest crime mystery, Damned If She Does, where a male detective snickers when lead character, Shamus Doherty, refers proudly to his professor sister as “Doctor Doherty.” I didn’t think that up out of thin air. I’ve seen that snicker and I’m not alone.

I could go on about this, but it’s just more of the same written by more of the same. When women no longer need to choose between being seen as likable or accomplished, we won’t have to read or learn about pathetic attempts to demean us for sport. When will it get old? You have to wonder.