Since I’ve been in IT industry, I’ve been called an “IT Guru” many, many times. I have always been very uncomfortable being called a “guru” mostly because I don’t believe I am one. I admittedly don’t know everything about IT – far from it. I’m also okay with that, knowing that I didn’t graduate with an Information Technology or Computer Science degree. I just have the 16 years of on-the-job experience to back my knowledge, and I learn something new every day.
With that said, I think we need to change our language and our use of the word “guru.” Over the years, we’ve grown accustomed to phrases and words that we’ve misappropriated, and we don’t understand or acknowledge the history behind them. “Guru” is just one of many, and it would surprise you how many words and phrases we use without knowing their origins.
Guru comes from Buddhist and Hindu religions and refers to a spiritual guide or leader who is held in high esteem.[1] Calling someone a “guru” who is not an actual guru, diminishes the importance of its title and its origins. Unfortunately, complicated power dynamics can be involved in a guru/devotee relationship. A guru can claim to be all-knowing and to be trusted without question. This can lead to systems of abuse, harm and misconduct.[2]
I am not all-knowing, and I want to be questioned and taught. I might be an expert, but that doesn’t mean I’m better than anyone else.
Here’s some other phrases we can use: IT Expert, IT Whiz, or IT Specialist, perhaps. If you’re interested in learning more about other phrases that are misappropriated, here are some articles to expand your mind:
https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/commonly-terms-racist-origins/story?id=71840410
https://www.yogajournal.com/lifestyle/cultural-appropriation/
[1] https://www.yogajournal.com/lifestyle/cultural-appropriation/
[2] https://www.yogaisdeadpodcast.com/resources-gurus-killed-yoga