Being Professional

With this being African American History Month I got to thinking about how we treat our own. We have had to overcome so much in our time in this country. I am not going to run down every negative thing that has happen to us I am sure you’ll hear about that all month. This is a piece that speaks to the reverse behavior we have adopted in the way we treat each other and conduct our business.

I have noticed that in the various walks of life many African American’s don’t truly know how to act or present themselves in a professional manner. Now you may ask, “K. L. what does this have to do with African American History Month?” Well its simple, with all that we have overcome you would think being professional to another person of color should be the cultural norm. Many other cultures seem to get a charge out of helping another in a professional manner.


I truly believe that so many suffer from the pains of past aristocrats and because of that they have gotten use to being rude to anyone that has the same color as them. It actually has become a norm that too many people of color can’t do business with each other. Many blacks will say openly, “I would rather do business with whites, because you know how blacks are.”


As a new writer I am learning that in the Literary Game, many have seemed to wrap themselves up in acting in whatever way they want regardless of how it appears to others. I see the absence of professionalism in various ways. The term “keeping it real” seems to be a buzz word for speaking and acting anyway you want to someone. The use of profanity and Ebonics in meetings or interviews comes to the forefront which causes the exit of professionalism. When I am listening to many of the on-line shows, like Urban Literary Review where guests have an opportunity to discuss the topics of their books I tend to question the professionalism of the writers.


There is the business aspect of being professional, there are too many who want to try to “Street Hustle” their business instead of pushing their business in a strong professional manner. You can get out in the world and truly push and push to get your product out in the hands of those who you want to do business with and still not have it look like a street corner drug sale.


Some African Americans can’t seem to see that professionalism means coming to the table prepared to offer something to get something. Your book may be about your life on the street but when you are attempting to market it to the public through this type of medium there is a point where even in your own word you need to remain professional.


Just my thoughts. This is not intended to be a attack on any one particular performer, artist or writer .

Respect always,

K. L.

www.myspace.com/klthewriter