No Longer Honorable Professions

Many years ago, a young girl's or boy's dream would be to grow up to become a teacher or policeman or doctor. These professions were respected throughout ages. However, nowadays, for a number of reasons, these professions have been losing the high regards that were previously associated with the careers.



Throughout the years, the involvement of the death of, primarily Black men, has brought a spot light on police officers' interactions with this racial group. It appears that in every major city, there are cases where racial profiling on the police's part has caused not only Black male drivers to be stopped more often than any other ethnic groups but to be unfairly treated. Black males are more than likely to be arrested or killed by a police officer. On the other hand, the continuous arrest and/or firing of police officers for various unlawful acts indicate that more care needs to be enforced in the hiring process since the relegation to desk duty, suspensions, or dismissals indicate that these persons would certainly not have been hired if more scrutiny during the employment process had been taken. No doubt, there are many honorable policemen. However, the corruption and other illegal practices of some overshadow the good that is present in others. .

Racketeering is generally associated with the Mafia. But not anymore since educators formerly employed to the Atlanta School Board district were convicted and sentenced for this crime. The case indicates the pressures that teachers now face to give a false impression that students are producing outstanding grades. Not only are school districts faced with these problems, but the continuous arrests of teachers for having sexual relations with students is included in the other crimes that teacher commit. The requirement of licensing or even finger printing does not weed out the teachers who do not honor a parent's trust in them to protect their children while in school. Even more unacceptable is the corruption within some school boards where playing politics or knowing the right person in administration will certainly guarantee employment and advancements.

Last but not least, doctors have come a long way. Gone are the days when becoming a doctor was simply for the love of helping people. Nowadays, the lofty profits associated with Social Security benefits have enticed many doctors to submit fraudulent claims that produces high payouts. Recommending patients for tests that they do not need or referring patients to specialist friends is now a common trend for many doctors who get a fee out of the referrals.  Further, writing unnecessary prescriptions for addicted patients also defiles this "noble" profession. These crimes among others are not expected from those who enter this profession.

So much could be said about the deceitful practices of attorneys, but there is not sufficient time to cover that topic. Nevertheless, feel free to share any other professions that have taken a turn from how it used to be portrayed in the past to the present perceptions.