What is professionalism?
// the conduct, aims, or qualities that characterize or mark a profession or a professional person - Merriam-Webster
What does it look like?
Time workload management, punctuality, dresses in a business-like manner, speaks well, acts a certain way, works productively, etcetera, etcetera....
Well, can professionalism do any harm?
Look at these next two scenarios :
Scenario 1
Scenario 2
Let's Talk About It
There is no evidence to show that Black women are more likely to express anger than any other group, but they usually receive the racist comment of being "angry".
By focusing on a Black woman's tone you do not realise this bias, all well influenced by sexism and racism. Ultimately, leading to a lot of harm.
There was a study in the US, which showed that Black women who were seen as "angry" received poor evaluations and fewer raises.
It's because of systemic racism...
And because of systemic racism, this is what many black women face in the workforce.
What can we do?
3 ways to reduce bias
2 ways to create an inclusive work environment
Sources:
Ashley, W. (2014). The Angry Black Woman: The Impact of Pejorative Stereotypes on Psychotherapy with Black Women. Social Work in Public Health, 29(1), 27–34. https://doi.org/10.1080/19371918.2011.619449
Black Women in Canada: Jen Katshunga; Notisha Massaquoi; Confronting Anti-Black Racism Unit, City of Toronto; Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants (OCASI); and Justine Wallace
Lean In: The State of Black Women in Corporate America