Understanding the Misuse of Academic Titles in 'You' Season 4

Why do You TV shows in season 4 often misrepresent British academic titles when set in London, and what implications does this have for both accuracy and cultural understanding?

Proper Address and Academic Tiers

It is important to clarify the difference between a courtesy form of address and an actual academic rank. In the United States, every person teaching at a college or university, whether they are a temporary lecturer or a full professor with tenure, is properly addressed as “professor”, regardless of their actual rank.

In the United Kingdom, the situation is similar, but there is some variation in practice. While most British universities do address all instructors as “professor”, there are sometimes differences in the hierarchy and usage of titles. This can be seen in the distinction between social categories and terms of address. In many cultures, people are addressed informally as “brother,” “sister,” “cousin,” “auntie,” “uncle,” etc., even if they are not actual relatives. The same principle applies to addressing anyone who teaches in a college or university, even if they do not have an actual academic rank of professor.

Season 4 in Context

'You' is a series set in London, but the writing is by Americans targeting an American audience. This has led to several anachronisms and language errors that might seem amusing to viewers familiar with British culture.

In the UK, being addressed as a professor is a significant honor, as it is a titles which is reserved for the most accomplished academics. Most UK academics are lecturers, not professors, which adds another layer of cultural nuance to this TV series.

Contextual Misunderstandings and Plot Relevance

The show’s setting in London, combined with its strong American-American cultural context, suggests that the choice to misrepresent British academic titles is intentional. There are two potential reasons for this:

Audience Adaptation: The show’s audience is primarily American, and thus, addressing all academic staff as “professor” would make the story more relatable and less confusing. This approach simplifies the narrative for American viewers who may not differentiate between the various ranks in academia. Content Focus: The plot of You is centered around the main character's experiences and relationships, not necessarily on the academic hierarchies of UK universities. Therefore, the accuracy of title usage may not significantly impact the storyline or the characters’ interactions.

The Influence of J.K. Rowling

The frequent use of the title “professor” at Hogwarts in Harry Potter can be linked to the misrepresentation in You. J.K. Rowling’s use of the term in her books, where it seems to encompass all teaching staff regardless of rank, may have influenced the writers of You, thereby perpetuating the misconception.

It is also notable that the term “professor” in the UK is a rare job title, highlighting the difference between the American and British academic systems. In the US, someone who might be a lecturer in the UK could very well be referred to as a professor.

Conclusion

The misuse of academic titles in 'You' Season 4 reflects broader issues of cultural adaptation and content simplification in media targeting a diverse audience. While this may seem minor to some viewers, it contributes to the growing awareness of the differences between American and British academic systems and the importance of cultural accuracy in international productions.