B a hair-raiser...
Straight, curly, locked, twisted, braided, long, straight, natural, relaxed, weave, no weave...These are just some of the options that make black women's hair something like a phenomenon. We've all had that moment when someone thought it was OK to pet our hair, and say "Oh, that's so cool, how'd you get it like that?" And we've ALL had that moment when you walk in with a fresh blowout and a classmate/co-worker says, "OMG, it's so pretty (substitute: long/straight/soft)!" (And this implies that it was what, before the blow out?) Or we've even had that occasion when someone asks "How many times do you wash it?"
Yes, yes...black hair is a wonderful, evolving part of who we are. It can be a mysterious thing to our counterparts, and even to us. But dealing with questions about your hair (i.e. your identity) at work can be a sensitive issue to say the least. Many have seen that article circulating about a certain beauty editor from Glamour Magazine hosting a luncheon on the Do's and Don'ts of Corporate Fashion at law firm, Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton. Below are some of the comments made by the "style expert".
"Those political hairstyles really have to go..."
"Afro: A real no-no."
Yes, yes...black hair is a wonderful, evolving part of who we are. It can be a mysterious thing to our counterparts, and even to us. But dealing with questions about your hair (i.e. your identity) at work can be a sensitive issue to say the least. Many have seen that article circulating about a certain beauty editor from Glamour Magazine hosting a luncheon on the Do's and Don'ts of Corporate Fashion at law firm, Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton. Below are some of the comments made by the "style expert".
"Those political hairstyles really have to go..."
"Afro: A real no-no."
"Dreadlocks: How truly dreadful!"As a result, the young fashionista was "dealt with", but her words are already out in the universe and likely reflect the outlook of others in corporate America. For some, it's a constant struggle to maintain their personal style, all while managing the expectations of others. Personally, I'm just trying to find a something that works when I need to look fly and work out at the same time. (I haven't figured it out just yet. Any suggestions?) As for now, I rock what my boy calls a "snatch-back" (low bun) - but whatevs!
Being serious for a moment - how do you feel about this issue? I'd love to hear your thoughts. In the meantime, check out this mini-snippet on Marie Claire's website about "Erasing Ethnicity", pretty interesting. The full-length article is on the newsstands.
Being serious for a moment - how do you feel about this issue? I'd love to hear your thoughts. In the meantime, check out this mini-snippet on Marie Claire's website about "Erasing Ethnicity", pretty interesting. The full-length article is on the newsstands.
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