Tag: Academic Titles

Opinion

Why Do I Have to Call You Doctor?

On the first day of class I introduce myself using my formal title and ask all student to respect that request. You often see some students have a sense of confusion and bewilderment as the general culture in the Pacific Northwest is laid back and less formal. Based on informal conversations with colleagues and friends, some of them have suggested that some people may think that I may be arrogant, on some ego trip, or maybe masking some deep sense of insecurity. But it is interesting that many White peers, colleagues, and students don’t take the time to think about it from my perspective. It never occurs to them that I may approach my interactions with them as a professor differently because I am a Black man.

August 25, 2020