The word “professionalism” here a common dogwhistle for “obedience” and “conformity”. It’s use in this context is almost exclusively directed towards women, but also sometimes to black men.
When Micheal Burhnam disobeys orders it’s “unprofessional”, when Worf or Picard does it, it’s “bold”. When Ake sits down unconventionally it’s “unprofessional”, when Riker does it, it’s a quirky and beloved part of his character. etc. etc.
Yeah I’d say you hit the nail on the head. In a franchise that thought Spock saying his superiors should “go to hell” was such a great line they had Data ape it two films later, “professional” seems to be a label some characters have easier access to than others.
The word “professionalism” here a common dogwhistle for “obedience” and “conformity”. It’s use in this context is almost exclusively directed towards women, but also sometimes to black men.
When Micheal Burhnam disobeys orders it’s “unprofessional”, when Worf or Picard does it, it’s “bold”. When Ake sits down unconventionally it’s “unprofessional”, when Riker does it, it’s a quirky and beloved part of his character. etc. etc.
Yeah I’d say you hit the nail on the head. In a franchise that thought Spock saying his superiors should “go to hell” was such a great line they had Data ape it two films later, “professional” seems to be a label some characters have easier access to than others.