Code-switching is not a matter of assimilation, but survival. One can only truly be liberated when they can be their full self without hesitation or apology. Tabitha Brown is a beautiful example of not compromising who one is, even though it may ultimately cost her her job.
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If you work in DEI and social justice, then you choose to place yourself into circumstances that will test your mental, physical, and emotional limits. You work long hours. You accept poor behavior. You stay longer than you should. But you must learn that you cannot make the world a better place by destroying yourself.
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Black girls worry about the clothes they wear and grow into Black women facing the same struggles. Black women have to been forced to be conscious of how they dress in professional settings and how others may perceive their bodies. The perception of Black bodies, like the idea itself that Black women’s bodies are inappropriate, can result in workplace harassment and even being fired.
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Inclusion is about the collective. Inclusion involves creating a culture that recognizes, values, and embraces differences, and incorporates varying perspectives into the work environment. It is an active, intentional, and ongoing engagement with diversity. As organizations are putting their efforts into ensuring representation, it is the culture of belonging that ultimately allows each employee to realize their full potential, leverage skills, and share ideas openly.
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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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