An Attitude

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Attitude has two faces, like a coin.

There is official and perceived attitude.  Official attitude comes with the job.  Managers have it, so do bouncers in nightclubs.  The Pope, presidents, prime ministers, queens and lions all have legitimate attitude that is job-based.
“She has an attitude.”

Perceived attitude is problematic because it doesn’t have a formula.  It is an internal transport network like the heart and kidneys.  It is how the accuser feels about someone.

The accuser has reasons for the perception while the accused is totally in the dark.  If she wore white robes for her court cases instead of the standard black all attorneys wear, she would be aware of her misdemeanor and correct it. 
The accuser is mad at the accused for breaching protocol, for not behaving in a particular manner, talk a certain way or not talk at all, smile and react in a certain way when she meets the accuser in the elevator or car park.

Quite simply, she has an attitude because she acts outside the expected parameters of her race and class.  She is supposed to behave and dress a certain way because she is black or white, has a London working class accent, or was born in Fortaleza Brazil while I was born at Toronto General.
Accusing someone of having an attitude is unfortunate because the accuser is not aware and therefore, is not in court to defeat herself.  The accusation is a negative verdict and can affect her chances of career advancement, despite being a conscientious worker.

By:  Nonqaba waka Msimang.

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