We assume needs for punitive attendance policies, hard deadlines, and participation grades based on surveillance because the students need to be prepared for “the real world.” As a professional focusing on workplace inclusion and systemic equity, though, I see the lie there.
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Is there still a place for professionalism? I have to say no. Professionalism itself rests upon assumptions of homogeneity as workplace success, and superficial changes to allowances may not have lasting effects. Just adding “visible tattoos” to the list of things that are allowed does not change the fact that there is a list, and one written by those who hold power in the workplace. If we do stop pouring energy into rehabilitating the concept of professionalism, who knows what else we could construct with that time and energy?
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When my wife began her transition, I had a lot of feelings. I felt afraid, isolated, and confused. I also experienced a few feelings that came as a shock, though. The biggest one was jealousy. As my wife began exploring her identity as a woman in the world, my brain kept saying, “Why does she get to paint her nails green?” I hadn’t painted my nails in years at that point. “Why does she get to wear colorful floral prints?” My closet was filled with black, navy, and grey. Eventually, I noticed the silent ending to all of these questions: “Why does she get to do these things…and I don’t?” Once I heard that coda, the uncomfortable truth set in.
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