Michelle Obama took her praise and support toward Jill Biden to Instagram on Monday. She highlighted the incoming First Lady's efforts and achievements over the years following essayist Joseph Epstein's controversial op-ed for the Wall Street Journal.
The Daily Express reported that the former First Lady noted Biden's "many responsibilities," including her roles as a teacher, "mother, wife, and friend," alongside her official obligations inside the White House. She shared her tribute with her 44 million followers, who have since voiced out their support and adoration toward Jill Biden.
The Becoming author, also, pointed out that women, who obtained accomplishment, "all too often" experience "skepticism, [and] even derision" from some individuals. Nevertheless, she stated that Biden would be a "terrific role model" for everyone as she continues to wear her accomplishments "with grace, good humor, and pride."
The whole debacle emerged over the weekend after the Wall Street Journal published Joseph Epstein's opinionated piece, urging Jill Biden to drop her "dr" title. Apart from referring to her as "kiddo," he, also, asserted that "'Dr. Jill Biden' sounds and feels fraudulent" because she is not a medical doctor.
The essayist continued to reason out why Biden should drop the title. Reports said that he "mocked" the incoming First Lady's research and "likened her degree to an honorary doctorate." Later in the piece titled, Is There a Doctor in the White House? Not if You Need an M.D., Epstein urged the former Second Lady to focus on supporting Joe Biden instead, as a First Lady inside the White House.
Alongside Michelle Obama, several women, also, voiced their support toward Jill Biden and criticized Joseph Epstein in the process, according to ABC News. They took their opinions and thoughts about the issue to social media, with many of them encouraging others to use their doctorate titles, as well.
The critics deem the op-ed as "sexist" and "misogynist." One netizen, whose post has since obtained more than 65,200 likes and 12,000 comments, even noted that women will not drop their titles for "any mediocre man's comfort."
Following the backlash that the Wall Street Journal and its essayist Joseph Epstein continue to receive, the publication released an official statement through its material. A separate report from ABC News covered the developments, noting that the outlet defends its decision to publish the article.
Editorial page editor Paul A Gigot dismissed the public's uproar, adding that he has no plans to take down the article. He described the outrage as "overwrought," noting that Epstein's piece was "fair" whether the public agrees or not.
