Professional as a Synonym for White
In modern anglo society, the term “professional” is ubiquitous. It is invoked in the workplace, in schools, and even in casual conversation. The term is often used as a synonym for competence, skill, and decorum. However, this seemingly innocuous term is imbued with a deeper significance—it is a class and racial construct used to legitimize prejudice and the marginalization of oppressed people.
To understand this phenomenon, it is crucial to unpack the historical and social forces that have shaped our understanding of professionalism. This understanding has often been used to justify discriminatory practices and to maintain a hierarchical system that benefits the dominant group.
A Tool for Subjugation
In her essay, “Professionalism as a Racial Construct,” Leah Goodridge examines the ways in which professionalism is used as a tool to subjugate people of color, specifically in the legal profession. Goodridge argues that while professionalism seems to apply to everyone, it is used to police and regulate people of color in various ways, including hair, tone, and food scents. This is not simply a double standard, but rather a standard that is itself rooted in racial subordination and white supremacy. [1]
Goodridge’s analysis highlights how professionalism is a racial construct that operates through a set of beliefs grounded in the perception of racial superiority and inferiority. The expectation is that people of color have a higher threshold to withstand bias and discrimination than their white counterparts. This means that when people of color call out racist or sexist behavior, they are often perceived as unprofessional, oversensitive, or even disruptive. In contrast, white professionals can often get away with engaging in the same harmful behavior without being held accountable. [1]
The Bias of Professionalism Standards
Aysa Gray, in her article “The Bias of ‘Professionalism’ Standards,” for the Stanford Social Innovation Review, goes beyond the legal field to illustrate how the bias of professionalism standards extends to all workplaces. She explains that professionalism standards are often heavily defined by “white supremacy culture,” which privileges whiteness and discriminates against non-Western and non-white professionalism standards. [2]
Gray provides a comprehensive list of ways in which white supremacy culture manifests itself in the workplace. For example, dress codes often favor white and Western styles, while speech and communication styles are expected to conform to white standards of English. Black employees may be monitored more closely, and they may face more penalties for the same behaviors that their white counterparts face. This bias is pervasive and deeply ingrained in the culture, making it difficult to address. [2]
A Disappearing Act
Lynn Conway, in her article, “The Disappeared: Beyond Winning and Losing,” shares a poignant account of the “Conway Effect,” a phenomenon she identified to explain how women and minorities are often erased from the historical record of innovation. Conway describes how the accumulation of advantage for those who are expected to innovate can lead to the disappearance of those who don’t fit the dominant narrative. [3]
The Conway Effect sheds light on the subtle but pervasive ways in which systemic bias operates to silence the contributions of oppressed groups. This erasure can have a devastating impact, not only on the individuals involved, but also on the advancement of knowledge and innovation itself. It can lead to the perpetuation of stereotypes and to a lack of diversity in fields that are already dominated by those with privilege.
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The Interlocking Nature of Class and Race
The concept of professionalism is deeply intertwined with class and racial structures. It is often used to reinforce existing power dynamics and to maintain the status quo. The expectation that individuals must conform to white standards of professionalism can be seen as a form of cultural imperialism, in which the dominant culture imposes its values and norms on those who are different.
This imposition can be particularly harmful for those who are already marginalized due to their socioeconomic status, their race, or their gender. For example, the expectation that individuals must dress in a certain way or speak in a certain manner can be a significant barrier for those who cannot afford to conform to these standards. This bias can create a cycle of exclusion in which those who are most in need of opportunity are often the least likely to succeed.
The Impact of Professionalism on Oppressed Groups
The impact of professionalism as a racial construct can be seen in the experiences of oppressed people across a range of fields. In the workplace, the pressure to conform to white standards of professionalism can lead to discrimination, harassment, and even termination. In education, the emphasis on professionalism can create barriers to access and success for students from marginalized backgrounds. The criminal justice system, as Goodridge argues, is a prime example of the ways in which professionalism can be used to legitimize and perpetuate injustice. [1]
Moving Beyond the Professional as White
It is essential to move beyond the limited and biased understanding of professionalism as a synonym for "white." This requires a critical examination of the underlying assumptions and biases that inform our understanding of this concept. We need to challenge the notion that professionalism is a fixed and objective standard, and instead embrace the idea that it is a fluid and evolving concept that must be shaped by a more inclusive understanding of diversity and equity.
Take Action Toward a More Inclusive Understanding
To achieve a more inclusive understanding of professionalism, we must engage in a number of key steps:
By taking these steps, we can begin to move toward a more inclusive understanding of professionalism that recognizes the value of diversity, equity, and justice. We can work to dismantle the structures of bias and exclusion that have historically marginalized oppressed groups. And we can build a society in which everyone has the opportunity to succeed regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender, or socioeconomic status.
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