Dear Editor,

It was really disheartening to read a comment about Dr Donna Gowe on a March 15
Instagram post.

The comment was distasteful, to say the very least. This does not mean that the writer does not have a right to his or her opinion; after all, Dr Gowe is a social media personality, so she is expected to receive criticism. However, is she undeserving of being conferred a doctoral degree? Who determines who is deserving or undeserving?

In many academic disciplines, the most advanced degree one can earn is a doctorate. Doctorate degree holders are typically regarded as authorities in their fields, and many note that a major reason for pursuing a doctorate is to increase professional credibility.

Ilana Kowarski and Cole Claybourn in the September 22, 2023 publication of
US News titled ‘What is a doctorate degree?’ posit that, “In many academic disciplines, the most advanced degree one can earn is a doctorate. Doctorate degree-holders are typically regarded as authorities in their fields, and many note that a major reason for pursuing a doctorate is to increase professional credibility.”

They further state that, “Getting a doctorate is challenging. It ordinarily requires a series of rigorous classes in a field of study and then passage of a qualification exam in order to begin work on a dissertation, which is the final project.”

People fail to understand that in order to attain a doctoral degree the aspirant must do rigorous work and make numerous sacrifices.

Dr Gowe has been doing a lot to help the citizenry of Jamaica, and while I might not be a subscriber of her many social handles, I respect that she has been impacting Jamaicans, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Holding a doctorate does not mean one should be placed on a pedestal. In fact, it means the holder becomes a servant, and that is what Dr Gowe has been doing. There is no debate about that.

Who determines who is deserving or undeserving of a doctorate?

Does one’s personality determine whether one should be referred to as ‘doctor’?

Does one’s socio-economic background determine whether one should be referred to as ‘doctor’?

Does one’s financial stability determine whether one should be referred to as ‘doctor’?

Doctoral studies can be difficult, and it often takes years before the writing of the dissertation is completed.

Let us afford people the respect that is due to them, whether we like their personality or not.

Remember, T S Eliot, in his famous poem The Lovesong of J Alfred Prufrock, stated that people “put on the face to meet the face that they meet”. If Dr Gowe’s audience comprises the ordinary citizens of the country, one cannot expect her to speak Standard English at all times. She would never reach her audience.

Being awarded a doctorate is no joke, and it means the receiver is expected to offer service, not sit atop a pedestal.

Natesha Lindsay

lindsay.natesha2@gmail.com