From “microaggressions” to being passed over for promotions, many of us exist in toxic workplace cultures. We’re held to standards of “professionalism” – which is actually rooted in white supremacy!
But how is being a “professional” a racial issue?
Standards of professionalism show up in dress codes, communication expectations, work styles, and timeliness among other factors.
We often need to “code-switch” to adjust things like our speech and hair in order to create new versions of ourselves that are “acceptable” in the workplace. And that’s not all.
White workplace culture prioritizes quiet obedience, not creativity, and is based on hierarchy, not mutual respect. That’s what “professionalism” really means – and it upholds white supremacy! This has been a longstanding way for whites to maintain power and wield it against our people.
We should not have to diminish our Blackness to thrive at work!
Data also shows Black employees experience extra scrutiny from management, leading to lower performance reviews. Over time, all these barriers contribute to burnout, mental health issues, and lower earnings.
This could be why remote work, which gives Black workers some autonomy and privacy, has allowed many of us to flourish! For others, entrepreneurship could be the way.
No matter which path we take, we must know that white supremacy is a system working against us in every way – and we must resist it at all costs!