Actually....it is an opinion shared by all of the 'accredited' academic world.
I really don't believe you can speak for
"all" of the 'accredited' academic world. I am certain that many people of higher education have an open mind, and realize that titles serve a legitimate purpose, and that the title of "professor," by definition, can be extended to many fields beyond the limited context of which most people are familiar.
There
are those who have over-inflated egos, and take titles to mean something they are not. There are those who take titles with a grain of salt, and don't care to use them.
To each their own, but my point is that fellow Martial Artists should at least have respect for those who use the titles for a specific purpose within their organizations rank structure. Those "professors of Taekwondo" in the U.S. Chung Do Kwan are not claiming that the title is anything more than a step between a junior ranking instructor, and a senior ranking instructor.
Would you let 'Dr. Dre' perform surgery on you?
We're not talking about surgery here, and I believe that there are just as many highly qualified professionals in each field who use titles, as those who misuse them. If a "Professor of Taekwondo" is qualified to teach other Master Instructors under the auspices of their organization, then it is an appropriate use of the term, in my opinion.
Actually, I am part Cherokee, but once again, this strays from the original topic, and intended definition of the term "professor" or even "Chief" in this case.
If you have 'Chief Masters'....do you have 'Chief Petty Masters'?
No, we don't. We also do not have emperors or chief emperors, and we are not "petty" enough to belittle the titles of other Martial Artists if they are presented seriously, and have a legitimate meaning.
In Asia, name are listed in reverse order....so if you are overseas do you get mistaken for a 'Master Chef'?
No. When I was in Korea, I was merely addressed as Eisenhart Sabeom. They were not confused, nor was I.
Do you not see how silly some of these titles can seem to others?
Of Course I do. Your examples are really quite unnecessary, and rather off point. You are not presenting any concepts, or enlightening me to anything that I have not already encountered in the forty-one years that I have been studying the Martial Art. Many people find aspects of the Martial Art to be "silly" and often ridicule what they do not understand (the "pajama" dobok, the weird stances, the silly "kiyaaaa!").
I am well aware of these viewpoints from ignorant non-Martial Artists, however I would expect a high ranking Black Belt to show more insight, courtesy, and respect than to denounce the use of a particular title simply because it is more often used in a different context. After all, it is just a word. . . a word, like any other word, that only has meaning when it is used in a sentence. In this case, the use of "professor" has absolutely nothing to do with a title for a college teacher.
What I want to know is what does his wife call him. Or his kids. Or his mother. Or his employer? Or the cop who wrote him a ticket?
I am sure you could ask each of them, although I don't know
why you say you "want to know" these things. I can only speak for myself, but my wife and kids call me by my title when we are at work (in the dojang). At home, my kids call me dad, and I won't say what my wife calls me (especially when I spend so much time on this computer). My mother is dead, but she used to call me by my first name. I am self-employed, so there is no employer, and I haven't had a ticket in more than twenty years, although most of the cops just call me "sir" like they do most of the male citizens they pull over.
The titles... are 'smoke and mirror' and 'spin' marketing tactics... an 'illusion' of authenticity and respectability... sadly, is often not backed up nor borne out in the education, experience and practice... 'Supreme Grandmaster'... is an oxymoron.... this exhaltatory title... 'Eternal Supreme Grandmaster'... this weakness of ethics in the field... add up their various Dan ranks to achieve one that is just plain rediculous... a Louisville TKD instructor... a 17th Degree Black Belt.
Yes, many threads here on MT have dealt with the widespread abuse, and misuse of ranks and titles. I am one who believes that the buffoons who use titles they have not earned, and do not deserve, should not diminish the respect for those who do.
And that is why I became the Emperor of Kentukki. I don't need any other title. Titles are what I give away to others. LOL!
To each their own.
I have received titles and promotions in many fields (Boy Scouts, U.S. Army, Law Enforcement, Security Industry, Red Cross First-Aid, and the Martial Art), but I have never claimed one that was not presented to me by someone of higher skill, and position within the appropriate organization. They are nice little pats on the back, " 'at-a-boys," incentives, positive reinforcements - - if not for the person who receives it, then for others who see it, and are motivated to strive for higher achievements.
Also, I do not "give away" titles to others. If a student has worked hard, acted honorably, and earned recognition for their advanced education, I am honored to be able to present them with the humble award in recognition of their efforts and accomplishments.
Sincerely,
CM D.J. Eisenhart
