The –isms fly fast and furious this week: racism, sexism, classism, and . . . professionalism? One of these things is not like the others—except that it often is. Much of what we talk about when we talk about professionalism is superficial and confining: modes of dress and speech that limit the scope of who should be regarded as an insider, and who we should trust with our business. But if professionalism is not a tie tack, what is it? Is there any room for standards of punctuality, respect, follow-through, and ethics? Max thinks so, but as he and Caitie wrestle with this week’s topic, only one thing becomes clear: any given standard must exclude someone or something. Perhaps the real question is this: what problem are you trying to solve when you enforce professional standards?