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Name: Teigh
Comment: it's completely mind boggling that decades after sistas lost jobs and sued for this right that a black university would institute such a rule. Good for Susan. I agree that perhaps students could use some help on professional braid attire...what a shame that Hampton has such a closed mind about it and that it took Susan Taylor to bring something to light the women students should have
Name: xavixavi
Comment: y'all gonna hate me for this, but after risin in a company w/ raises and all, I started wearing locks. Believe me, I went to m place every 2-3 weeks. to make sure that everything was tight, but would still hear comments from people -- black and white. Please read carefully, this restriction is on MBA's. I tell the kids I know that Yt may not say it, but they look at you very differently when you have long braids, extensions, or locks. They don't understand it, and b/c some some of us (y'all know who u r) tend to not keep them pristine, can look sloppy. Y'all know that the beginning stages can look very rough to most of us. I agree w/ them. You trying to make money. They trying to show you how to make money. I don't believe that every fad needs to turn into a "statement" of culture. Some Yt institutions wouldn't accept hippies w/ long hair in the 60's and 70's. They look at them in those shools too. It's just that we make a big stink about hair that belongs to koreans/asians. Get over it, and wait till you make the big bucks to change it. Protesting is Susan's right, but I think this is a fight not worth fighting. They are trying to tell you that the reality is that you may not get that high level job looking like Wyclef, or Bob Marley. It hurts, but it's true. And don't think it's just them. A lot of us wouldn't hire you either.
Name: McNasty
Comment: I won't knock a sister or brother for wearing them but I wouldn't hire either wearing braids or dreads. I'm from the spit and polish age.
Name: jboy
Comment: xavixavi: I have to agree with YOU on this. The institution would be doing the students a terrible disservice not to get them ready for the REAL game in every way. And FACE IT...looking like you belong more in a reggae band than an office ain't gonna help you up the ladder. Hate me if you want to y'all, but depending on the importance of the matter (legal, medical, financial), I don't think I'd hire dreads. I'd be thinking "If this brother/sister doenst know how the game is played as far as how to dress, what else don't they know about the game???"
Name: ImJustAsking
Comment: Although I understand what Ms. Taylor and her receding hairline caused by excessive braid wearing are trying to say, I have to agree that for business students, ESPECIALLLY MBAs, who in many cases will start their career making 90k a year and be one of the few blacks in their company, conformity is important. I'm torn because I do think that the more white people see us in ethnic hair styles, the more they become acceptable...however, I don't think that I would want to be the one to take the chance on not finding employment just because I wanted to prove a point with my hair.
Name: SpelmanRho
Comment: As a sister who wears her hair in natural styles in a corporate environment, I can attest to the fact that there are comments made when black men and women choose not to conform to Eurocentric standards of hair styles. Now, I keeps the hair tight. Styled, professionally, neatly, and kempt not for them as much for me. Natural should not nor does it equal unsightly. Many are amazed (and a little jealous I think) at the myriad ways in which I can style my hair. Maybe it's just the Atlanta area but there are many black professionals here with locks, natural styles etc. That are beautifully styled. I hear what some of you are saying but then again remember that it is illegal and discriminatory to mandate that one group of people chemically alter their appearance in order to work for an institution (those cases have been fought and won). I'm successfully on my corporate track and fully expect to be there with my gorgeous locks that cascade in curls onto my shoulders. Why ? Because the long and short of it is that I'm good, in fact EXECEPTIONALLY good at what I do. It would take my company more time and money to hire and train someone to come close to my skill level. I guess the whole point of my long post is be on point (in every way) and you won't have to worry about it. Plus, (I just thought about this) if Star Jones (if that wasn't her please correct me) could've worked as a NYC DA with those long ostentatious finger nails, then I should be able to work at King and Spaluding with my locks pulled back in a nice neat "corporate" bun.
Name: musbdherbs
Comment: WOW! I can't believe that it's black people who are accepting of this. On the one hand, we want to eradicate the world of racism and on the other, we say that we are accepting of the fact that u need to "look" a certain way in order to excel in corporate america. And of all things becuz ur hair is loc'd? I'm sure there are many "other" folk who would love to see us not in the offices neway but to couple that w/black people who say that they won't hire someone w/locks is as ignorant as those who say they won't hire someone w/a certain name. Have we bought into the idea of euro-eccentricism so much that we hold nothing but that standard as acceptable. If we are not the ones to change it, who is? There have been major corporations sued for having policies like this so why is it acceptable for a school? Sure, there is a harsh reality that "other" folk look at u differently because of the way we rock our hair. But, what's next? This is especially surprising for an institution like Hampton. I can see u on cornrows..but braids and loc's? Wow!
Name: musbdherbs
Comment: and to clarify...company's can have a "dress code" which can define what u can or can not wear such as no sandals, jeans, halters..etc.. but ur HAIR? Unless ur working in a hotel or some'n..I just don't see it. This is just mystifying to me. I guess this is some'n else where we just say...ok massah...wut evah u seyz. Ok I'm trippin but damn Hampt...can u at least tell them how u need to keep yo shyt tite if u going to rock certain styles. Can you tell them that maybe u don't have the liberty of getting ur wig split 1c a month. That you may need to go every week. Just some'n other than...THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE! And This is an HBCU? I don't even smoke cigarettes but I need a cigarette break and a cup of coffee (which I don't drink)..lol
Name: jazzfan
Comment: This is crazy for an HBCU to adopt such a policy. College is a time of self-exploration, and I'm sure that any student in an MBA program is bright enough to know that wearing a non-traditional hairstyle is likely putting another barrier between them and employment, especially at a Fortune 500 company. That said, suppose a student is in the program with the goal on entrepreneurship and has no aspirations of working for somebody else? Why should a school erect a barrier to prevent them from furthering their education? I realize that corporate Amerikkka is about projecting a certain image and have counseled people about the appropriateness of braids, piercings, visible tatoos, etc. in a business environment. That said, I know of males and females who have succeeded in the corporate world with braids and locks. I just hope Hampton isn't filling these kids heads up with ideas that if you keep your hair neatly trimmed per YT's perceptions that everything will be lovely and you won't face any racism or prejudice.
Name: mds1971
Comment: Give me a break. Ivy league schools don't even place these kinds of restrictions on their graduate students, so why would Hampton restrict its own students like that? Natural Black hair can be styled to be very neat and professional, so what is the real issue here? And I am shocked to hear some of us who are so narrow minded as to say that they wouldn't hire someone with braids or locs because they don't know how the game is played. As long as the person isn't sporting some wild colors or inches or new growth, I don't see a problem with wearing braids or locs in the workplace.
Name: MDhornet
Comment: Thanks Spelman and musb. I was becoming disheartened reading the other comments. Then I got to yours and thought. Thanks for some sanity prevailing. I've worn my hair naturally for years. I wear it straight in the winter, curly in the summer. It is always neat and tidy to go along with the rest of my attire. I have no intention of changing that to please anyone. I have worked with many black men and women over the years who have worn locs, cornrows etc. who are doing quite well. I think the total package matters. You can't do locs combined with urban wear and expect to be taken seriously. Maybe geographic locations make a difference. I find I get different reactions to my natural hair from people far south than I do from folks on the East coast. Thanks for pointing out that natural and unsightly are not synonymous.
Name: MDhornet
Comment: One thing though musb. In my experience, HBCUs are some of the most stuck up institutions. Some of the professors at those schools are assimalationist to the hilt. Speaking from personal experience.
Name: Royale55
Comment: This is exactly the reason I left Hampton all those years ago and returned home to a White University with no shame in mines....That school is full of bourgeoisie black folks who wouldn't know the color black if they were wearing it, let alone a full-on black culture. Please don't believe the hype every HBCU aint for real black brothas and sistas. As for the hair thing, most of you must live in Middle America where its still not the accepted norm to wear natural hair in business settings, but in the DC-area on up the coast, it is widely acceptable, and there are plenty of successful brothers and sisters wearing the damn thing-the way they want to. We are never going to progress as a Black culture if we can't be free enough to be who we are. Too many of you are still worried about whitey. He will NEVER ACCEPT YOU, so be yourself and BE FREE BLACK PEOPLE----> Stop shucking and jiving in the new millennium.
Name: Royale55
Comment: And what is this thing about folks not keeping their hair neat and tidy just because its natural? Like brothas and sistas with regular fades, fros and perms always keep their shyt tight. EVERYBODY needs to keep their appearance tight in the work-world. White, Black and in-between, give me a break!!!!
Name: musbdherbs
Comment: I think that "some" HBCU's may seem to be "bourgie" such as the Spelman's, Morehouses's, Howard's but I don't think that this perception goes beyond a select few. W/these schools, there is a significant segment of the student body who come from middle/upper class families. So, their experiences may be different from those students who may attend FAMU or Grambling. Hence, the perception of being "stuck up." BUT, since I've attended two HBCU's and did summer sessions at another, I can't say that I've experienced many (if any) assimilationists professors.
Name: ATLGirl
Comment: I am not surprised that they are Black poeple who believe natural hair equates a lack of business and personal sophistication. I am disappointed. I wore twists for 2 years and finally needed a break from MY brothers and sisters who insisted it was ugly!! When will the day come that Black people will believe we are beautiful without chemical and artificial enhancements to make us look more European?
Name: ImJustAsking
Comment: If I'm not mistaken Hampton also has rules regarding what the entire student body can wear on campus. isn't this the same school that implemented a no sweat pants policy? no visible tattos, no tank tops...etc So, this is not suprising. Additionally, everytime I have read a report on this, I have never seen the full explanation Hampton gives for the decision. Perhaps they are suggesting students conform during the interview process and later get the style of hair they want once they have networked and established a professional presence. I wear my hair naturally, it's HUGE and curly, usally blonde with some other color at the end. I would never wear it that way on a job interview, however, once I have the position, I wear the style I choose. Plus, I don't think that the type of students that attend Hampton have a problem with not wearing braids or locs. Also, with regard to dress codes at a business, I'm not worried about not meeting the dress code at work, it's the unspoken rules that will kill your career.
Name: McNasty
Comment: We worked too hard to be set back by hairstyles or names and rather than argue names or hairstyles just know it's a personal preference. I would not hire Shaniqua or Tiara with braids or without. Black folk are beautiful NO MATTER WHAT WE DECIDE TO DO TO OUR HAIR. Natural styles are not everyone's choice just like straighteners aren't everyone's choice. When we gonna stop that bullshyt rhetoric about what constitutes black beauty?! It's always been in the eye of the beholder and I have yet to see that disproven. I also have yet to see a black woman or man with a natural style that presents better than a black woman or man that chooses more spit and polish!
Name: McNasty
Comment: Hampton may have instituted these policies to better prepare it's black students for the real world and sometimes the clothing styles nor the nappy hair styles are appropriate for the workplace. If they begin now, they will be prepared for anything, that coupled with it's one less thing they have to deal with in the corporate world. Folk are always looking for something to be able to say no to, they don't need us giving them ammunition.
Name: JamerDelta
Comment: This is so ridiculous that I want to curse and scream. I cannont believe that there are black people on this board who are continually calling themselves progressive on other subjects actually write in to say that they wouldn't hire someone with braids or locs--what the f*ck!!!!?????? How does what you have on your head determine what's in your head!!!! No one is talking about neatness--I'm not questioning that. What I see is that its our own hang-ups that's the problem than white people's. I've gone to predominantly white institutions most of my life (ex. 12 blacks in a graduating class of 400 in high school--about 1000 blacks in 35,000 in college) and worked for Fortune 50 companies before starting my own. Have my MBA--by the way, what kind of MBA takes 5 years to complete??? I'm going to assume that its a dual B.S./MBA program--in any event, I was hired with braids at my last major company and have never received anything but compliments from the white people I've worked with. This is nothing but a symptom of our own insecurities and our own misconceptions of what works. What works in corporate America is not what you wear on your head its what you do when you open your mouth. Nobody gives a sh*t about my hair the instant I begin speaking about my qualifications. People get a grip and focus on what's important--what's inside your head not on it. Again, not disputing neatness and dressing the part--I'm talking about a hairstyle--when do we learn to accept ourselves!!!
Name: musbdherbs
Comment: Jamer...Jamer...I'm w/u all the way. "I would not hire Shaniqua or Tiara with braids or w/out" WOW!..WOW!...WOW!... I'm really hoping that's a joke cuz if not...well..uhm...well... *taking another cigarette break*
Name: MDhornet
Comment: WOW McNasty. I can't believe you've never seen someone with natural hair who "presents" better than someone with more spit and polish as you put it. That is absolutely FASCINATING to me. I guess I've been spoiled here in DC where I see many, many people on a daily basis who are sharp and natural and doing their thing successfully in corporate america. Does that mean you never see someone with natural hair as polished? Why is that? What is it about natural hair that makes someone less polished? I'm really curious to know. This whole convo boggles my mind.
Name: McNasty
Comment: Musb I said it and dammit I meant it!
Name: McNasty
Comment: Believe it MDHornet and again - it's about personal preference which seems to be lost in all the rest of the bullshyt spewed here today. I DON'T CARE FOR THE NAMES OR THE HAIRSTYLES.
Name: musbdherbs
Comment: McNas...the fact u referenced it 2wc now...we know that u meant it. If anybody up in here today spewed bullshyt...I would suggest it's u. You are the pitiful soul who said that they wouldn't hire someone because of their name or if they have locs. If that's not the most prejudice, insensitive, rosewood-Strom Thurmond type of bullshyt...I don't know what is.
Name: JamerDelta
Comment: McNasty, if you are being for real, you are epitomizing the concept of self-hatred. Unfortunately, there are a lot of misguided people like you who get a little power from massa and then use that power to deny access from others based on your silly personal issues. Somebody's name and hairstyle will have you not hire them--it doesn't matter what their qualifications are???? See, its m-effer's like you that hold us back--NOT the white person. Here it is you have an opportunity to help others instead you use what little power you have to deny--oh, how you must feel great at night. You and the people who think like you that try to conform and please white people (who are probably more progressive in thinking than you) are the ones that are in the dark ages. Kudos to people like Susan Taylor who stand up for what they believe and set an example for our young people to follow.
Name: McNasty
Comment: Musb the fact that you strolled in here talking about folks preferences being ignorant shows who spewed the bullshat, enough said on that.
Name: McNasty
Comment: JamerDelta get a life bytch! You hold you back - college degreed and still you don't understand PERSONAL PREFERENCE. I said what I meant and the only hate I harbor is for n i g g a s like you that think if my hair ain't nappy I'm not black enough. Kiss my black as night azz.
Name: Closet_Nerd_Girl
Comment: I am truly amazed and ashamed that a black institution considers the natural hair of a black woman unprofessional. If anything, they should give black women tips on how to create different natural hairstyles that fit into the corporate environment. It's bad enough that we have to hear from "others" that our hair is not up to the "regular" beauty standard, but to hear it from our own (especailly a supposedly enlightened institution of higher learning) is very hurtful. >McNasty, You have a right to your opinion. Here is mine, I see nothing unprofessional about braids, dreds or 'fros pulled back into a classic bun or chignon for a corporate setting. What is worse, the sister with the relaxer who's hair is damaged, dull and raggedy or the sister with the natural, healthy, shiny hair? Even if the sister with the natural were more qualified, you'd still hire the chick with the fried head? In ATL there is a white news anchor woman named Carol Sparge. Her hair looks like straw. But hey, she's white and blond, so I guess it's ok...
Name: McNasty
Comment: CNG naturally the POLISHED sister gets my vote. Peep this I WOULDN'T HIRE CYNTHIA MCKINNEY BRAIDS OR NO.
Name: NYCsoul
Comment: I can't believe that in the 21st century that black people still have hangups and bias as it pertains to natural hair. I fail to understand why is wearing your hair natural equate with wanting to make a 'political statement'. Could it be that perhaps, especially with sistas who wear their hair naturally, may have a myriad of scalp problems and loss of hair because of years of using chemicals and hot combs? I don't see the point of Hampton's policy either and being 'natural' has nothing to do keeping the hair unkempt, dirty, or sloopy. Just like having a perm does not equate with being polish and neat. It depends on the INDIVIUAL and how they carry themselves! It's disheartening that we don't like to be generalize by whites or any other ethnic group but we do it to ourselves. I can show you evidence of plenty of beautiful natural hairstyles that could be worn for every occasion, especially in the corporate world. Some of the hairstyles don't even LOOK natural! So let's try to keep an open mind on the topic and stop the sweeping generalizations.
Name: JamerDelta
Comment: McNasty>>> I have a life, darling. One I truly love! thanks for asking. I'm not held back at all, in fact, I'm prospering and taking along lots of others with me of all races as a matter of fact. I certainly understand personal preference, but what does that have to do with you hiring the most qualified people no matter their hairstyle or name and that are appropriately dressed etc. See, this is the argument that had us as black people not getting those corporate jobs because a white man's hiring preference was the person who looked like him--hence why companies have diversity policies nowadays--i.e. PERSONAL PREFERENCE SHOULD HAVE NO BEARING ON WHO YOU HIRE-- but I know, I'm speaking to a brick wall. Its cool. Just so you know, I wear my hair permed as well as in braids and have no hangups about being nappy, or straight, or braided. You judge and have no idea who you are speaking to. I have no such hangups--black enough for what???? I'm black, proud and loving it could care less what your hair looks like or mine as long as I feel attractive--The problem is that you know you are wrong but would die first before admitting it--someone is GIVEN a name and have for all intents and purposes no control over it and you would deny them a job over it--please tell me on what planet that makes sense???!!! PLEASE??? Darling, I would never kiss your's or anyone else's azz--that is why I went to school and got those 2 degrees--that's right, count them 1, 2. Get it right before you come at me!
Name: SpelmanRho
Comment: This is almost like the "Good and Bad " hair montage on School Daze. You can't make assumptions about people and you certainly shouldn't based on a hair style. When I first started wearing my hair in a natural style, there were some people assumed I was vegan, lesbian, and Lord only knows what else. People make assumptions based on appearance, I understand that's part of human nature. I guess I'm a little sad to hear that the natural texture of black hair is still viewed as less valuable than European hair. If we extrapolate that line of thinking which (if any) of our features exempt ? Must I change my nose, my mouth, my skin what ? Please don't misunderstand, I'm not one of those natural sisters who think those who press or perm their hair have "sold out". If you like it , I love it. But for me, I like, no LOVE my hair sans heat and chemicals. I have a really lovely curl pattern.
Name: SpelmanRho
Comment: "are exempt"
Name: MDhornet
Comment: Spelman, they thought you were gay? Geez, maybe that explains some of the looks I get. I'll check in on this one to see what else is said, but I can't bring myself to argue with ignorance.
Name: thechocolate10
Comment: i went a white college 9% blacks and i wore braids on my an interview ---very nicely done on 125th street in Harlem USA and I got the JOB!! HOLLA!! my interviewers were white it was for fundraising (no not telemearketing)and special events position. braids as long they are neat are not a problem in business world.
Name: khufu
Comment: TEIGH I agree with your original post..MCNASTY...so "spit and polish" excludes one's natural (African) hair? How narrow-minded
Name: khufu
Comment: everybody with Black skin aint Black ultimately it is the issue of the acceptance of one's culture...one's Africaness that determines their true knowledge and acceptance of self...apparently McNasty went to Hampton
Name: MzTee
Comment: Thank you SpelmanRho and JamerDelta for eloquently expressing what the real issue of this debate is. Like SpelmanRho, I have had people look at me sideways and assume things about my sexual orientation or lifestyle because I wear my hair naturally and cut boy short a la Jay-Z or Usher. But, please believe I represent fully and always look polished. While dreads/locks/braids don't appeal to me personally, I think It's truly sad that some black folks will let the exterior and the name of a person override rationality when it comes to hiring someone, if they are/were in a position to do so. The person's qualifications should ALWAYS take precedence first and foremost. Hampton's policy is ridiculous...plain and simple. And the fact that the school's Dean didn't even give merit to Susan's recommendation is beyond appalling. Big ups to Susan L. Taylor for being a woman of conviction and DOING THE RIGHT THING!!!
Name: blackman
Comment: Co-sign with Herbs, Spel, Jamer & khufu. >Spelman in 1998 my sister almost filed suit against Jones Day in Atl.(during recruitment/hiring) for the same warped attitudes toward natural hair. One ignant' partner was not feeling her natural hair. (Loved her summer work and grades), but I digress) He put his feelings in writing.
Name: chocdiva
Comment: Wow, I'm really trying to understand when natural hair equated to dishevled and nappy hair. I ROCK a natural style quite fabulously. My hair is of a certain grade that looks very straight when rodded, but it's still natural. That's one of the problems I'm reading. Natural = nappy unless you have "good hair". Like Charlie Murphy would say, "WRONG!!" Next point, thank goodness for India Arie's song "I Am Not My Hair". I heard it for the 1st time last week and it really touched my soul. I've been natural for 4 years and through my ups and downs with styles, I have not had one person tell me to change it, perm it, or do something with it. It is a personal choice. If your career path puts you in a situation where you need to make a decision about your hair, then make the best decision for you. Where I work, I am happy, professional, and skilled in what I do and my hair is not a reflection of my education nor experience. I am blessed to have been in certain positions where those issues never came up. I understand Hampton's desire to educate and discipline their students. But I also think that an image consultant is a good idea. I went to a minority women's workshop in Atlanta and personal style was a topic. Unfortunately, the image consultant looked like she stepped out of Ebony Fashion Fair with her high ideas of cost and style. Something Susan should think about in her own magazine. We are a diverse people with different thoughts and ideas. It's a problem when only one "idea" is taught knowing that many are available and respected. On that note, I must go, but to all "Have a Nappy Day!!!!"
Name: musbdherbs
Comment: McNas..considering how u've voiced ur opinions in the past, I'm just shocked that you came out of ur mouth as u did. Please tell me you're aware that a "personal preference" can be racist/prejudiced. If the world revolved around acting on "personal preference" ..... things would be totally different. Wow! That's just so brainwashed-like... and this is coming from you? WOW! I would expect that to come from someone who can't really articulate their thoughts and just go on and on like some people on here do. But, to say and MEAN that you wouldn't hire a "cynthia mcKinney" because of her hair is mindblowing. What complexion are you? What type of hair do you have? What type of upbringing do u have?
Name: Industrypro
Comment: Natural hair does not mean unkempt. A short fro on a woman is very nice and corporate. I think the problem with corporate America is with braids and dreads. Rep. Mckinley hair looked kinda crazy to me and no I don't associate her look with being down with her African heritage...none of my African friends would ever wear there hair like that.
Name: MDhornet
Comment: Don't mention McKinney. Should Hampton decide to educate their students about the proper way to do natural for corporate, her new hairstyle should be exhibit A on the "Dont's" list. Her "stylist" is probably hiding somewhere praying she doesn't mention who did her hair. She nees to get that hair cleaned up.
Name: Michele
Comment: What are all of these comments about? Are these really Black people posting here, or whites posing as Blacks? I can't believe there are so many people here who are willing to cowtow to the white corporate establishment just for dollars. Can't you see that we're participating in the racist white belief that things that are 'Black' or 'ethnic' are bad, and that the white way is the right way? That's complete BS!! I have worn locks since 1994 and I think that it's becuase I have been so adamant about keeping them in, even with the funny looks and questions, that I have gained a large amount of respect from those that I work with. And yes, I have turned down a good job because they wouldn't hire me unless I cut my locs. And guess what? An even more successful company more concerned with my moneymaking capabilities than my nappy roots hired me. Why should we consider our own hair 'non-professional'? Why? The only way to get our braids and locs accepted is to come strong with it, wear it to work and do a kickass job in whatever we do. And under no circumstances do we apologize for it, hide it, or let others make us feel ashamed of it.
Name: PEACHES4U
Comment: I met the sista who is now a major in the army: she fought against the regulations [which was 'voiced' in all military regulations, i.e., air force, navy, ...] that specified no cornrows, locks, etcetera. If Africana peoples in the U.S. military can wear braids, locks [and yes, within the scope of being presentable, professional], then Hampton needs to 'get with it.' Corporate America has many, many men and women who sport the locks, braids and other afrocentric styles, and they look like models for GQ, Essence, and so on. This reminds me of Dr. Asa Hilliards preface to Dr. George James', Stolen Legacy: some of us will defend the right of others to keep their foot up our arse!!!!!!
Name: Closet_Nerd_Girl
Comment: >McNasty- OK, so I'm glad you see that a black woman can have natural hair and still be "spit polished." >Michelle- WORD!!
Name: TRTR
Comment: Wow, the comments from McNasty are just unbelievable. But her stance on the N-word (over many EUR postings) with the viewpoint of just accepting it because it will never go away should have given us a clue as to what other self-hating views were possibly lurking below the surface. Truly unbelievable and disappointing!! Glad to hear Peaches4u reference Dr. Asa Hilliard and the book "Stolen Legacy" by Dr. George James. For anyone not familiar with these two, please do a search and get all books by these individuals. Your mind will be truly opened.
Name: ladybyrd
Comment: jboy > You are correct! I work in the Finance Industry and there is no way, now how. It's like a white guy with a long pony tail working in Finance. It just won't work.
Name: ladybyrd
Comment: McNasty > I agree with you. When I hire I want them educated, professional attire and clean cut (get that line go'in on. We are working with Executive level.
Name: SheriBeri
Comment: As a nappy-head, I am constantly amazing at the level of hatred we have for natural hair. I mean, nowadays, it seems like White folks don't have a problem with nappy hair, its the THE BLACK FOLKS acting stupid over it. I'm in Atlanta and I get the most negative energy from, you guessed it, BLACK FOLKS. White folks don't say anthing negative because MAYbe they realized that THIS IS THE NATURAL TEXTURE OF MY HAIR and they respect that. Black folks act like I'm 400 pounds or some shyt. And true stuff, no lie - a permed sista wouldn't place me in temp jobs because of my hair. She told me a needed to straighten it or get a wig. Went to a caucasian headhunter the same week with the same hairstyle and got me a 6-week assignment the next week. Went to interview with cauasians 2 weeks later and GOT THE JOB, wearing the same style; twists in the front and a big-%*$ proud braid-out afro in the back. That's right. AND WHAT??!!! Sista-gal ain't call me once. So, yes, its true your nappy hair might not get you a job; ONLY IF YOU'RE INTERVIEWED BY BLACK FOLKS!
Name: OneShot
Comment: I am in senior management in corporate America and have the ability to hire people in the area of finance. If you are a "good" manager you will recognize that looks (preferred or not) are not what gets the job done. I have mistakenly hired both black and white people who had the right look and the right answers in the interview, but could not produce! THAT's what matters and believe it or not that's what matters to the majority of white managers as well. I agree with those of you who stated that there is a way to wear natural styles and still be polished and professional. I am very proud when I see a sista or a brotha doing their thing and doing it well! For those of you who are natural and doing it well, keep it up. For those of you making judgements on hiring or not hiring folks based on their hair, you need to ask yourself if you are being effective as a manager if you can't see past hairstyles.
Name: jboy
Comment: As long as I've been reading (lurking) this site I'm going to do something that I don't believe anybody has ever done here...REVERSE myself and say that I believe I was wrong. I too have noticed that whites are more accepting of Blacks with certain hairstyles and speech patterns (READ: ebonics) than many of us so-called professional Blacks. It's one thing to see yourself thru the eyes (words) of others and go into denyal over it; it's another thing to see yourself, not like what you see, and decide to change it. Thanks to my brothas & sistas on this board that held that dirty mirror up to my eyes. I guess that's the purpose of forums like this...to discuss, debate, then understand. McNasty, as far as the NAME thing goes..COME ON! You would deny a person a job because of their name???? Reminds me of a segment of the BOONDOCKS - One man (Black) was saying that he wouldn't hire another Black if they had one of them "funny names" like Shaneequa or Tannisha. Another man said, "What about Condeleeza? That's a funny name." The point being that even if you disagree with her politics, there's no denying the sista is sharp and deserves to be where she is.
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