relationship similar to the way a professional’s business suit constricts movement, stereotypes them as stuffy and unexpressive, and makes fun food fights less likely. •Hypocrisy ! While most professions and professional organizations have codes of ethics, the pressure to appear to fit in, meet standards and retain support, approval or legitimacy can lead to much fudging and pretense. One needs only to think of the hypocrisy of physicians sworn to the Hippocratic Oath. Bringing “no harm” is an impossible goal in the natural world, especially when asked of those risking dangerous measures to potentially save a life... but claims of ethical intentions and standards by the wholesale purveyors of so often harmful pharmaceuticals is disingenuous at best, and often criminal in truth. Herbalism has so far been one of the least hypocritical and most intrinsically ethical professions, and it is crucial that it stay that way. •The Religion of Professionalism ! All too often professional groups give off the vibe of being exclusive, privileged, superior, elevated, its members ensconced behind a wall of certification like wealthy families sheltering inside the walls of a gated community, cleanly removed from the uncomprehending or even resentful residents of the surrounding ghetto or barrio. •The Relegation of NonProfessionalism/ Amateurism ! It is extremely difficult to have a vetted, officially qualified, professional class/caste without the implication that Nonprofessionals/Amateurs are by means of process inferior: less knowledgeable, effective, safe and trustworthy. This remains an inherent problem of perception, even though many professionals may personally hold certain amateurs, kitchen witches, housewife medicine makers, street herbalists, self-taught practitioners and teachers in high regard.
Frank Cook
Reclaiming Amateurism
am•a•teur: noun: 1. a person who engages in a pursuit (esp. a sport) on an unpaid basis; 2. a person considered contemptibly inept at a particular activity. adjective: inept or unskillful.
Hey dictionary, thanks for nothin’! I personally happen to like thinking of myself as an overqualified amateur, from whom nothing can be expected but anything is possible... though I concede the word is considered nothing but a put down by most people these days. “Amateurish” is used to mean “unskilled”, though I have never heard the efforts of amateur Olympic athletes – many of who can outperform their professional counterparts – derided as amateurish. Even the dictionary definitions suck, since 1. many nonprofessionals are well paid for their efforts, even in the field of herbalism, and 2. there are many skillful amateurs or nonprofessionals, and plenty of examples of inept professionals in every field I know of. While I often choose the ambiguous sounding term “non-professional” to avoid misunderstanding or lengthy explanation, I am also happy here to reclaim the label of Amateur, and confidently run alongside or ahead of the pros in my own satisfyingly nonconforming style. Amateurs arise and be counted! It’s high time to put an end to anti-amateur legislation and amateur bashing, time for Amateur Pride hoodies. An Amateur/Professional Alliance. A major coming out!