Beyond Language: The Many Faces of Code-Switching in Corporate America

As I reflect on my documentary project about Black women and code-switching in corporate settings, Nappily Ever After immediately comes to mind. Though it’s a fictional film and very different from a documentary, its exploration of identity and conformity resonates with my topic. The story follows Violet, a successful advertising executive who straightens her hair to fit into predominantly White professional spaces. When she unexpectedly loses her hair, Violet embarks on a transformative journey of self-love by embracing her natural beauty. This narrative illustrates how code-switching extends beyond language and includes appearance and cultural expression. 

In a previous course, I noted that “Violet’s journey to accept her natural beauty serves as a powerful metaphor for Black women in corporate America, who often feel the need to suppress aspects of their identity, such as their hair, in order to fit in and succeed.” This insight will be central to the message I want to convey in my documentary.

While the film inspires my thematic focus and topic, the difference in form means I can’t directly draw on its production techniques. I’ve created documentaries before, and I recognize the need to deepen my skills in crafting compelling narratives, conducting interviews, and editing for the emotional impact I want to convey in this project. 

I plan to continue researching code-switching, feminism, and other key theoretical frameworks from people like Kimberle Crenshaw, Patricia Hill and Bell Hooks to ground my project in both academic rigor and authentic storytelling. I really hope that this project is one that will go beyond this MA program and causes people and corporations to think differently.

Sources:

Bergen, H. (Producer), & Onah, H. A. (Director). (2018). Nappily ever after [Film]. Netflix.

Pinkney, A. (2024). Navigating self-perception and societal expectations: The intersectional challenges Black women face in corporate America and their impact on professional identity (Research in progress). Klein College of Communications, Temple University.