This is an elitist attitude. I have encountered it in design school and as a practicing designer. Alone, it is an understandable attitude. But, when it becomes cultural bias, and not just professional snobbery, it is damaging to the general society. Because our society has not really confronted the issue of cultural bias, it has been prevented from fully evaluating all the qualified individuals that our society encompasses.
Cultural biases compromise one's ability to make objective evaluations.
Hiring decisions are made, therefore, without considering all the possibly qualified candidates and the end result is to the disadvantage of all the parties involved. The general intolerance toward these differences makes it difficult for blacks, and others to acquire an effective education and gainful employment. This can be a devastating obstacle to young black students entering the design arena. Feelings of isolation and rejection can lead to a sense of inadequacy. And, this scarcity of established black design professionals has not only meant few role models for young black designers, but fewer job opportunities.