Folks have something new to be mad about. Dr. Jill Biden uses the prefix "Dr." This attack on Dr. Biden, is a lovely mix of down home anti-intellectualism and female status shaming. So, let's just consider why Dr. Biden would use her prefix, shall we? /1

I do diversity and inclusion work for companies and organizations. Women in leadership positions with graduate degrees, certifications, affiliations and more tell me they often enter meetings full of men needing to lead with those markers of credibility. /2

This need for women to validate their right to be in the room during business or organizational meetings is even more pronounced for women of color. This unspoken requirement is also there for trans and non binary people who present as female. /3

This is because men are granted credibility simply for being at the table, while women are typically afforded credibility only after making a case for their right to be there. Often as not, making their case can end up highlighting women's higher levels of expertise. /4

After which, they finally are allowed to join the conversation, while likely still having to push back, raise their voices, repeat their suggestions and do all the things women are forced to do in business contexts just to be heard. /5

After all the women have been though to reach the levels of expertise and achievement they are fought for and earned, it is simply sad to see some people shaming an educated woman like Dr. Jill Biden for claiming her place at the table. /6

Mark Greene is the author of The Little #MeToo Book for Men and Remaking Manhood, available now at Barnes & Noble Online and Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/dp/0983466963  /7