Brian Joyce of Australia’s Freewheels Theatre, once gave the following at the beginning of an article on ‘Professionalism’ and wrote that the “slapstick definition seemed to be as lucid as some of the responses (he) received….asking for some opinions from colleagues and acquaintances.”
Mowldie: (Insulting the others) Amateurs!
Quince: Yes. Amateurs. From the Latin. Ama; Love. Teur; For the of.
Snout: Love for the of?
Quince: For the love of! Yes amateurs! And you sir, a professional. Ha!
Mowldie: Yes Professional. (Explaining) Pro; For, Fesh;……fesh. On; State of. Al; Cohol. Professional. One who drinks like a fish! (Exits and collapses)
from “The Popular Mechanicals” by Taylor, Robinson and Shakespeare.
I happened to be at a shindig the other day. Educationists, artists, teachers, HOD’s, industrialists and other important figures adorned the gathering. One particular debate revolved around professionalism. The discussion immediately reminded me of Brian’s introduction to his article written nearly 14 years ago.
It is unfortunate that in India a hierarchy still exists in the ladder of categorising what a professional is? A major emphasis is laid on the ‘white collar’ executive cadre and the mainstream established Doctor/Lawyer/Manager/Engineer/BPO career.
Edge of a Fringe 