Dreadlocks vs. Corporate America: Should they be cut off? (employment, companies, state)

[TheHitman]

Dreadlocks vs. Corporate America: Real-Life Stories of Making the Choice

Two professionals stood by their hairstyles --- with no regrets
by Gerren Keith Gaynor Posted: August 27, 2012



For many African Americans with dreadlocks, the pressures of cutting your hair to fit the mold of Corporate America can be commandeering.

More often than not, black professionals are encouraged to do so for greater chances of employment, where African Americans remain a small minority in the workforce. But making the choice to cut or not to cut may not always be an easy decision. READ MORE.

[Moe'sTavern]

Personally, I don't think a person's hairstyle should have any impact on whether a person is employed or not; But suffice it to say certain professions have an image that they would prefer to have their employees project. Just the nature of the beast.

[2nd trick op]

Can't offer much of an answer here; personally, I feel exactly the same about dressing up in $300 worth, or more, of expensive, uncomfortable, high-maintainence, and non-tax-deductible clothing just to please the hang-ups of a gaggle of geezers.

But the unfortunate fact is that most disposable income is in the hands of people who get some undefinable thrill from imposing their psychosexual proclivities on the rest of us.

[CSD610]

In my personal opinion dreadlocks don't look good on anyone and it has nothing to do with where you work or what you do as a profession. Not that dreadlocks are right or wrong I just don't happen to think they look good at all on anyone. However you choose to dress is your business and not mine however, sometimes I think a different choice could be better. Again, this is my opinion and has nothing to do with who you are as a human or what you have chosen for your profession.

[Ro2113]

It depends on the position and the company the person works for or is applying for. Sometimes a company might prefer that a potential employee not have dreadlocks but if the employee is so impressive they will let it slide.

[joe from dayton]

I guess it depends on what the company wants. Regardless of race, most dreads don't look good on anybody.

[smarterguy]

Eh, some people are able to pull off dreadlocks in a professional environment, others can't.

Just like some can pull off a beard, long hair, shaved head etc. but some look like idiots. If someone looks professional, groomed etc, keep the dreadlocks, but if they're messy or ratty looking, cut 'em.

[ABQConvict]

Originally Posted by CSD610

In my person opinion dreadlocks don't look good on anyone and it has nothing to do with where you work or what you do as a profession. Not that dreadlocks are right or wrong I just don't happen to think they look good at all on anyone. However you choose to dress is your business and not mine however, sometimes I think a different choice could be better. Again, this is my opinion and has nothing to do with who you are as a human or what you have chosen for your profession.

Exactly. You don't see employment figures in corporate America going way, way down in the 70s because super wide lapels and three-piece suits with colorful piping look stupid.

Anyway, companies are private bodies with the right to not hire or fire, as long as the practice does not discriminate based on race, religion, or creed.

[Neutral]

It depends on the person and the style.

Maybe not so professional.




This would probably be okay with the right outfit and she could probably put it in a cute bun.


Same here. Style it right, get rid of the nose ring, and it's fine

[boxus]

Originally Posted by ABQConvict

Anyway, companies are private bodies with the right to not hire or fire, as long as the practice does not discriminate based on race, religion, or creed.

The EEOC has already won a lawsuit because the plaintiffs stated their dreadlocks were for their religion, this was recent, I think in Texas.