by Treasa Lascola

Created on: November 12, 2009

What does Professionalism mean to the World at large, these days? The Webster's Dictionary definition states that a Professional, (adj.), is: Having to do with a job or profession; referring to or engaging in an occupation. The Webster's Thesaurus gives these words as synonymous with Profession: Calling, occupation, vocation, and employment. Yet, I've always thought of a calling to require much more talent, creativity, and ambition than one might need for a mere occupation, or employment. Although, many vocations are rather qualified for study by someone who has at the very least an interest in the subject of any particular field, which more often than not makes most people aspire to a higher level of professionalism.

Those in any field that assume the identity of a Professional, give it their all and take their occupation seriously. Unfortunately, there are so very many unworthy candidates in the running for the positions available, however little or many, in any given field, that sometimes those more suitable are overlooked. Such is the nature of any competitive market. Many employers realize this fact too late to scoop up someone that they have overlooked, or worse, have mismanaged the talented master of a craft.

For instance, if I were to compare the teen actresses in American teen comedies of today with their 1980 counterparts, they are certainly found lacking! Today, the more we know about their drug addictions, sex lives, and horrible personal histories, the more we revere them through popularity. And yet, a consummate professional like, Molly Ringwald of "Sixteen Candles" fame is treated as an afterthought. And Miss Ringwald was certainly a stand-out in comparison to the bevy of the blond-haired, blue-eyed crop that was the ideal of the time. The best that the tabloid news of her day could do to gossip about Molly Ringwald was to enquire of her love life, which wasn't nearly as scandalous as say, Lindsay Lohan's! Miss Molly was and Is a lady, as well as a very talented and reliable professional. I know this is a strange side note, but both actresses had less professional management change their trademark red hair to other less appealing hair color changes in their careers, a disastrous decision! The very fact that they are redheads gave these ladies a leg up in their distinction as the great talents of their times!

A profession, skill, craft, or trade is only as good as it's best and brightest. When there is no one in the limelight to claim the glory, then nobody is going to pay it much attention. Where would we be without the DaVinci's, Shakespeare's, and all of the other leaders of the pack that bring their professionalism to the table, and then some? I can only hope and pray that we are never so uninspired!

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