Cherryblue - 25 February 2010 09:47 AM

Interesting…..perhaps it’s more of an issue in the US?

http://alayadawnjohnson.wordpress.com/2007/10/15/get-your-corporate-ladder-off-my-afro/

I’m a complete non-confirmist…..I say wear your hair as nature intended.  My hair is huge and I never wear it straight and no-one’s ever told me different…..hence why is it different when it’s an afro?

wow, i love this article, I had no idea that this issue ever went to such a big debate!

bubbadee - 28 February 2010 02:06 PM

Cherryblue - 25 February 2010 09:47 AM

Interesting…..perhaps it’s more of an issue in the US?

http://alayadawnjohnson.wordpress.com/2007/10/15/get-your-corporate-ladder-off-my-afro/

I’m a complete non-confirmist…..I say wear your hair as nature intended.  My hair is huge and I never wear it straight and no-one’s ever told me different…..hence why is it different when it’s an afro?

wow, i love this article, I had no idea that this issue ever went to such a big debate!

I have american friends and its a huge issue there. There have been employers, (such as certain state police forces) that have basically forbidden people wearing natural styles, like braid and twists and stuff like that. Be glad we live here!

Whenever I wear my hair ironed straight to work, I get loads of compliments.  When I wear it curly…none.

lela7 - 28 February 2010 04:53 PM

I have american friends and its a huge issue there. There have been employers, (such as certain state police forces) that have basically forbidden people wearing natural styles, like braid and twists and stuff like that. Be glad we live here!

I heard about that and it makes me so mad! It was to do with the stereotypes that associated with natural hairstyles, especially cornrows.

Girl i work in the corporate world and i remember walking into the office when i did my bc! they were all horrified that i had cut “all that hair off” lol. As my twa grew they were surprised that i had curly hair, i told them that must black people i am aware of have curly hair…including Beyonce lol!

To be honest, at work sometimes i get looks, one guy asked to touch my fro once, i said no problem as long as i could run my fingers through his hair as well..hahahaha, he was surprised at how soft my hair was and asked me why i had it straight in the first place.

I wear my hair in a fro, twists, braids, puffs and sometimes when i can’t be bothered just have a headband in front. My take on the matter is this, my hair has no effect on the work i do, infact my hair is fly, curls and all. They better appreciate

Rock your style, anyway you want it

I think a lot of people just don’t like what’s different. Sometimes I’m walking down the street with my curls out and people are saying things like “get a hair cut” and making noises like shavers to me. My bf thinks it’s a race thing, but I don’t. I think these people are just boring. I tried most of my life to look like everyone else, but now I’m older I just embrace the fact that I’m different and actually like that people are p****d off with my hair - ahahahaha!! I don’t want to look like I’ve just come off a factory production line!

On the upside I do get more positive comments than negative.

I think with the whole corporate thing… they’re probably just afraid of change. When someone talks about corporate workers I do have a stereotypical image in my head of what they’d look like, and none of them have curly hair (well, apart from that one from the apprentice)!! which is a real shame.

bubbadee, I think you should just go with your curls and help end the stereotypes! And yes, if they’ve offered you the job it really shouldn’t be a problem for them!!