| Topic Name: |
BRAIDS: do you wear them to work? |
| Message Name: |
Really Sad |
| Date Posted: |
07/21/2000 |
| Message: |
I look at some of the messages posted here and see the same old thing; people passing off stereotypes, insults, etc. I can't understand how a woman wearing braids to work deems her inappropriate and incapable of performing her job. I've worked in government, aerospace, corporate environments and not once did I see a african american come to work in "african american garb" as some have called it. There have been things such as a vest under a suit, but never in full dress. The only thing I've seen in regards to heritage is the braids. I see people of asian descent wearing certain jewlery pieces that are representative of their culture, hispanics too but I don't hear discussions in regards to that. It's as if braids are worn to say "hey, look I am black!"--it isn't......They are worn for comfort, for ease in maintaining. How many of you are single mothers who spend at least an hour doing just hair? You have so much to do and there are times when you pull it back into a pony tail or bun. That is what braids are - a convenience.
There is every reason under the sun why braids are considered "inappropriate" in the workplace -- your not make sacrifices, your not being a team player, "I" don't want to see it!". There is really a deeper issue. How is what one chooses to wear their hair affecting you on a day to day basis?(If it does affect you, it's because you allow it to). How does that persons hair style keep them from doing their job/contributing to a group as a whole? (I work with women with braids and they still do their jobs). Ladies....these are just excuses and cop-outs. These are things you hear kids in elementary using. Yes, everyone has options and we know what they are.
You notice that there's no forums on here for the men asking why do you wear this, or that....only here with the women. This type of stuff is what keeps us from making certain strides in the office. A person shouldn't be judged because of how they wear they're hair. Because if that were the case, everyone (black, white, and others) would be in serious trouble.
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