Does the Title Make the Man?
Does Your Title Define Your Values?
There appears to be an unsettling situation in the public space over the use of titles among people. Certain class of people seem to feel threatened by others who attach one title or the other to themselves.
We have three particular spheres where this fear is palpable. The religious sphere is one area. There are those in this sphere who feel that anyone cannot attach certain titles to themselves. Examples : Pastor, Reverend, Bishop, etc. Those in protest argue and ask “Why should they use it? Are they qualified to use the title?
The academic sphere is another place where there is much fear. Those who have spent years studying and have devoted their lives in the academic world to obtain a Doctorate or become appointed as professors in their fields of specialization appear increasingly threatened by others who receive Honourary Doctorates or Professorship. The academics are totally jittery. Why should you use the title Dr. Or Professor? Are you qualified to use it since you’re not in academics?
Again, in the traditional circles, titles are circulating in the form of Chiefs, High Chiefs, etc. Some people are not comfortable that people they consider lower than them are using the title of Chief or High Chief. They fume and ask, why should he use the title? Is he qualified to use it? What has he done to merit the title?
Too many questions and unnecessary fuss about nothing.
Does the title make the man or the woman? Does the title someone bears prevent you from bearing your own? Why give yourself headache over someone else’s title? Fear must be coming envy or jealousy.
In the political circles, individuals attach to themselves such titles as Honourables, Distinguished, Excellencies, but do those titles reflect the character of those that bear then? Most times, the opposite is the reality. If all those in public politics who bear those titles have their character and conduct align with what they bear, then the society wouldn’t have been fantastically organized. There could actually be more dishonourable people with those title than those that live up their titles.
I ask again, does the title make the man or the woman?
The question of whether a title makes a man is complex and can be approached from various perspectives. I give a few examples.
– Social Status: Titles can confer social status, respect, and authority on individuals. In some cultures, titles are seen as essential to a person’s identity and influence.
– Personal Identity: On the other hand, a person’s character, values, and actions define who they are, regardless of their title. A title may not necessarily reflect a person’s true nature or worth. Therefore, you don’t have to worry about their title, but discern their character.
– Contextual Significance: The significance of titles can vary depending on the context. In professional or formal settings, titles may be important for establishing credibility and authority. If someone has established credibility through their work and is accorded a title by another credible authority in recognition of what they have contributed to society, this must not be discredited or contested. In personal relationships or informal settings, titles may be less relevant.
There are also philosophical perspectives to titles that individuals carry or take on.
According to the existentialists, a person’s identity and worth are not defined by external labels or titles. Instead, individuals create their own meaning and purpose through their choices and actions. Even though they might be accorded titles, it does not change their person.
On the other hand, the essentialist might have a contrasting perspective suggest that certain titles or roles are inherent to a person’s identity or nature.
Evidently, whether a title makes a man is a matter of perspective. While titles can confer certain benefits and recognition, they do not define a person’s worth, character, competence, or identity. A person’s character, actions, and values are often more important than their title.
Those who feel they have exclusive reserve of certain titles by reason of their attainment in life or professional achievements should understand the fluidity of modern society. Nothing is static anymore. Such persons should become comfortable with the changes taking place in the public square. There is no more exclusivity of titles. However, if you doubt the person’s qualifications to use a title, then put them to the test with respect to the title they bear.
If you’re not ready to go that far, settle down and mind your business 🙏 ❤️ 💐 Life is fluid. The sky is large enough everyone, no matter their title.
