Kuel Life
No Result
View All Result
  • Login
  • Home
  • About Us
  • Community
    • Business Directory
    • Exclusive Member Content
    • Kuel Conversations
    • Kuel Life Events
    • Share Your Story
  • Lifestyle
    • Beauty & Fashion
    • Relationships
    • Home
    • Money
    • Work
    • Travel & Adventure
  • Wellness
    • Health
    • Fitness
    • Nutrition
    • Mindfulness
  • Jack’s Smack
  • Membership
  • eShop
    • Books
    • Kuel Swag
    • Services
    • Products
  • NORMALIZE AGING
  • Contact Us
  • Home
  • About Us
  • Community
    • Business Directory
    • Exclusive Member Content
    • Kuel Conversations
    • Kuel Life Events
    • Share Your Story
  • Lifestyle
    • Beauty & Fashion
    • Relationships
    • Home
    • Money
    • Work
    • Travel & Adventure
  • Wellness
    • Health
    • Fitness
    • Nutrition
    • Mindfulness
  • Jack’s Smack
  • Membership
  • eShop
    • Books
    • Kuel Swag
    • Services
    • Products
  • NORMALIZE AGING
  • Contact Us
No Result
View All Result
Kuel Life
No Result
View All Result
Home Jack's Smack

Dear Mr. Patriarch, Your Time Has Passed

Dear Mr. Patriarch, Your Time Has Passed

Jacks Smack 121820 new

Recently, Joseph Epstein, an American author and former adjunct lecturer at Northwestern University, wrote an Op-ed piece for the Wall Street Journal.

In the post, Epstein dismissively suggests that First Lady Elect Dr. Jill Biden drop the honorific she currently chooses to utilize. And, yes I specifically point out that it is her choice. She earned a PhD and has every right to add those two little letters before her name any time she wants.

What Is The Real Problem?

“fewer than 2% of the world’s population can claim a PhD”

That being said, I wonder if Mr. Epstein would have been better served to state his opinion without using the incoming first lady as the “hook”. I am going out on a limb. Extrapolating from his own words, additional articles written in support of Epstein, and opinions that condemn his piece in the WSJ, it sounds to me like Epstein’s beef is about the perceived deterioration of what it truly means to earn the title of “Doctor”.

Digging in deeper, I read that Epstein was directing his criticism at what he perceives to be the increasing meaninglessness of advanced degrees in the humanities and social sciences. The notion is that, in today’s world, PhDs are handed “out like free-drink tickets outside of strip clubs.”

That statement alone stirs up controversy, especially amongst the doctoral elite. And elite it truly is — fewer than 2% of the world’s population can claim a PhD. So even if it created a rigorous uprising, most of us wouldn’t notice. And maybe there’s merit to the notion that not all PhDs are created equally. One worth exploring by those who are responsible for the machinations of earning a doctoral degree. I certainly have zero expertise on the matter.

Out Of Touch With The Current Zeitgeist:

What I want to talk about is that I think it was poor judgement on Epstein’s part to bait us with our new first lady. To me, it shows an inability to read the current zeitgeist. These are “sensitive” times. Between the recent #metoo fallout which brought down some members of the male elite, the bright light on our globe’s systemic racism, and on the heels of one of the most polarizing U.S. elections in which the first woman was elected to the White House, sensitivities are on steroids.

“We are making strides and I especially see it in the younger generations.”

Is it too simplistic to note that Epstein is an 84-year-old white male? If we look up “stereotype” in Mirriam-Webster’s will we find his photo?

I know all too well that this may stir up some anger but why give Epstein our energy and attention? To me it’s clear that his time has passed. The mere fact that he refers to Dr. Biden as “kiddo” glaringly showcases how out of touch with the times he truly is. And not to be cruel, but the fact of the matter is that he is running out of time.

We are working diligently to raise awareness and to alter ingrained behaviors that negatively impact our sisters and brothers. Never before has there been this much light and noise on equality (race, gender, sexual orientation). We are making strides and I especially see it in the younger generations.

Mr. Patriarch, Your Time Has Passed:

I don’t know Mr. Epstein personally and therefore my “bias” is completely founded on the data points of his age, sex, and race. Oh, and the words he chose to submit to the Wall Street Journal. But, it makes me want to say: “Mr. Epstein — your time has passed.”

And it’s unfortunate. I know that not all individuals in Epstein’s demographic are stuck in the past. To me it’s pretty simple. You can bring to light a perceived chink in the armor of another human, or you can turn the spotlight on what you believe to be systemic failings in the institution. The first one typically creates turmoil and often-times backlash. If you don’t believe me just go check out Northwestern’s website. Even though Mr. Epstein has not taught in over 20 years, the University issued a disclaimer and a resounding public scolding. The second option, can catalyze innovation, shift a conversation, and create a sea change for good.

P.S. Photo credit goes to my son, Aidan. @throughaidanseye

Related Posts

A Celebration Of Self-Love After 50—Rethinking Valentine’s Day
Jack's Smack

A Celebration Of Self-Love After 50—Rethinking Valentine’s Day

February 12, 2025
Kathy Bates’ Matlock On Netflix: A New And Accurate View On Women Over 50 In Media
Jack's Smack

Kathy Bates’ Matlock On Netflix: A New And Accurate View On Women Over 50 In Media

January 25, 2025
From Bridget To Baby Girl: How Films Are Shaping Hot New Norms For Women Over 50
Jack's Smack

From Bridget To Baby Girl: How Films Are Shaping Hot New Norms For Women Over 50

January 13, 2025
Next Post
Never Too Old To Pursue Your Dreams – Debra, 61

Never Too Old To Pursue Your Dreams - Debra, 61

Lisa P Skeen – This Week’s Woman-Driven Brand

Lisa P Skeen - This Week's Woman-Driven Brand

11 Simple Ways To Breeze Through Those Holiday Temptations

11 Simple Ways To Breeze Through Those Holiday Temptations

Comments 2

  1. Janet Shaheen says:
    4 years ago

    I agree that the title PhD is an accomplishment that must be recognized and honored!

    • Kuel Membership logo large Kuel Life says:
      4 years ago

      Completely!! I think the gentlemen in question might be missing something.

Recommended

13 Charlotte Tilbury Products For Mature Skin: The Best And The Overhyped

13 Charlotte Tilbury Products For Mature Skin: The Best And The Overhyped

4 days ago
Why Friendships After 50 Change—And Why That’s OK

Why Friendships After 50 Change—And Why That’s OK

2 weeks ago
Smart Dating: 12 Essential Safety Guidelines For Women

Smart Dating: 12 Essential Safety Guidelines For Women

4 weeks ago
Staying Single After Gray Divorce: How Women Over 50 Are Thriving On Their Own Terms

Staying Single After Gray Divorce: How Women Over 50 Are Thriving On Their Own Terms

2 days ago

Don't miss it

  • All
  • Jack's Smack
Redefining Success For Women Over 50: Stop Asking For Permission
Linda Butler

Redefining Success For Women Over 50: Stop Asking For Permission

May 12, 2025
Staying Single After Gray Divorce: How Women Over 50 Are Thriving On Their Own Terms
Mardi Winder-Adams

Staying Single After Gray Divorce: How Women Over 50 Are Thriving On Their Own Terms

May 10, 2025
5 Ways To Save Money On Clothes During Menopause—Without Sacrificing Style
Beauty & Fashion

5 Ways To Save Money On Clothes During Menopause—Without Sacrificing Style

May 10, 2025
13 Charlotte Tilbury Products For Mature Skin: The Best And The Overhyped
Beauty & Fashion

13 Charlotte Tilbury Products For Mature Skin: The Best And The Overhyped

May 8, 2025
How To Respond To Criticism Without Losing Yourself: 4 Steps To Build Emotional Intelligence
Fern Weis

How To Respond To Criticism Without Losing Yourself: 4 Steps To Build Emotional Intelligence

May 7, 2025
Self-Care After 50: Why Quick Fixes Fail And What Actually Works
Diane Amelia Read

Self-Care After 50: Why Quick Fixes Fail And What Actually Works

May 11, 2025

Purchase with a Purpose

  • Kindra Kindra
  • Better Not Younger – Better Hair Ahead Better Not Younger - Better Hair Ahead
  • The Tracy Gold Collection The Tracy Gold Collection
  • Elyse Ryan Jewelry Elyse Ryan Jewelry
whatsapp image 2024 05 17 at 21.38.19 933b48c6

Kuel Life is committed to normalizing aging for women. With more than 65 KL Thought Leaders, we bring you the latest, most relevant, HOT TOPICS to address the opportunities and challenges for women 50+.

LEARN MORE »

COMPANY INFO
  • About Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Press
  • Contact Us
PURCHASE INFO
  • FAQs
  • Payment Methods
  • Shipping & Delivery
  • Refunds & Returns Policy
  • Membership
LATEST NEWS

Redefining Success For Women Over 50: Stop Asking For Permission

May 12, 2025

Staying Single After Gray Divorce: How Women Over 50 Are Thriving On Their Own Terms

May 10, 2025

5 Ways To Save Money On Clothes During Menopause—Without Sacrificing Style

May 10, 2025

13 Charlotte Tilbury Products For Mature Skin: The Best And The Overhyped

May 8, 2025

Sunday RoundUP Signup Here…

Be part of the movement to normalize aging. Get all your HOT TOPICS delivered directly to you.

 

CopyRight© 2017-2024 | Kuel Life | Created By Kuel Life Developers Team.

 

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In

Add New Playlist

0
    0
    Your Cart
    Your cart is emptyReturn to Shop
    Continue Shopping
    No Result
    View All Result
    • Home
    • About Us
    • Community
      • Business Directory
      • Exclusive Member Content
      • Kuel Conversations
      • Kuel Life Events
      • Share Your Story
    • Lifestyle
      • Beauty & Fashion
      • Relationships
      • Home
      • Money
      • Work
      • Travel & Adventure
    • Wellness
      • Health
      • Fitness
      • Nutrition
      • Mindfulness
    • Jack’s Smack
    • Membership
    • eShop
      • Books
      • Kuel Swag
      • Services
      • Products
    • NORMALIZE AGING
    • Contact Us

    CopyRight© 2017-2025 | Kuel Life | Created By Kuel Life Developers Team.