Unmasking the Racism Within "Professionalism": How Cultural Norms Exclude Black Women
Have you ever stopped to consider the roots of professionalism? As a Black woman, I have often wondered about the underlying dynamics and the connection between professionalism and racism. When we examine the historical context, it becomes evident that professionalism has been shaped by dominant cultural norms and values, which predominantly stem from whiteness. This realization sheds light on the exclusionary framework that deems individuals like me, who don't conform to these norms, as unprofessional and systematically marginalized.
As we delve into history, we come across glaring examples of professionalism being weaponized to perpetuate discriminatory practices. The Case of the Pullman Porters is a striking illustration of this. Pullman porters were Black workers employed by the Pullman Company to serve passengers on trains. Despite their significant roles and excellent customer service, they were unjustly denied promotions and faced limited career advancement opportunities. The company's policies were rooted in racist assumptions that Black employees lacked the professionalism required for higher positions within the company. These biased assumptions and stereotypes not only affected individuals but also further entrenched racial inequalities within the workplace.
Sadly, the remnants of this racial construct persist today. Dress codes and grooming standards continue to enforce a specific cultural norm that dismisses the rich diversity of our hairstyles, clothing, and cultural expressions. These standards disproportionately impact individuals from marginalized communities, sending a clear message that our cultural identities are deemed incompatible with professionalism.
For far too long, I, and many other Black women, have faced unjust scrutiny and discrimination due to our hairstyles. I have proudly worn natural hair textures, braids, locs, and other culturally significant styles. Yet, they have been deemed "unprofessional" in countless workplace settings. These biased standards reflect a deep-rooted cultural bias that prioritizes Eurocentric ideals of beauty and appearance, disregarding the inherent beauty of our natural hair.
By categorizing Black hairstyles as unprofessional, society sends a detrimental message: our natural expression of Black identity is incompatible with the traditional standards of professionalism. This perpetuates harmful stereotypes and denies us the freedom to embrace our cultural heritage and authentic selves within professional spaces.
Furthermore, Black speech patterns and vernacular, such as African American Vernacular English (AAVE), have also faced discriminatory judgment. AAVE is a distinct dialect with its own grammar and vocabulary, developed by Black communities. However, it has been unfairly stigmatized as unprofessional or even seen as a sign of incompetence. This bias disregards the rich linguistic diversity within our communities and reinforces the notion that standard English is the only acceptable form of communication in professional settings.
These discriminatory practices surrounding our hairstyles and speech are deeply rooted in racism and the perpetuation of white cultural dominance. They reflect a refusal to accept and value the diversity of cultural expressions within our society. By deeming certain hairstyles and speech patterns as unprofessional, workplaces not only limit opportunities for us but also contribute to a culture that marginalizes and erases our identities.
Understanding professionalism as a racial construct calls for critical examination of our own biases and a collective effort to challenge the status quo. It urges us to create inclusive workplaces where individuals are evaluated based on their skills, qualifications, and contributions, rather than their adherence to a narrow set of cultural norms. Only by dismantling the systemic racism perpetuated by the idea of professionalism can we work towards true equity and justice in our professional lives and beyond. As Black women, it is time for us to reclaim our identities and reshape the narrative of professionalism on our own terms.
