Although it seems often overlooked, racial
profiling in the workplace is a very is a big part of our everyday workforce.
Think about it, have you ever paid attention to companies’ dress codes?
How often do people get denied a job because of their appearance? For
example, a friend of mine had showed me a photo from their employer and its
obvious this company discriminates against “people” with dread locks as well as
those who wear shells in their hair. Even though dreadlocks, beads and shells
are a symbol of strength still somehow those who wear them are seen as
degenerates and unprofessional. You can see the photo below supports this
claim.
Notice the black man who has dreadlocks is depicted in the photo looking
messy. This suggests the company view dreadlocks as a “black thing” and also as
a sloppy thing. I knowin many business places for example, restaurants
people cannot have loose hair or sometimes really long because of the risk that
one of the hairs might fall off and land on the food. This can lead to people
not wanting to come back to the restaurant or even getting sued.
Looking at this
Malcolm Jamal Warner photo shows that people can wear dreadlocks in
professional manner. I can understand why an employer would not hire some with
dreadlocks if they are not keeping their dreadlocks maintained. But anyone who
cannot take care of their personal hygiene such as their hair they should not
be hired. If someone has dreadlocks and they are maintained this should not be
a factor them to lose their job.
This YouTube video below discusses two women who were denied employment at Six Flags because of their
dreadlocks. Watching this video is shows people that racial profiling still
exists in workplaces.
Dreadlocks can also indicate a religious choice and by banning them in
the workplace it infringes on our constitution rights. My friend job and Six
Flags are just two examples of this phenomenon. I guess no jobs at Six Flags
for Whoopi, if their careers were to ever falter.
this was an interesting post. i never did think of that but after reading your post, i do notice that there are not that many employees who has dreadlocks. actually, i barely see anyone with dreadlocks. discrimination didn't even come up in my mind to think that employers don't hire those who has dreadlocks.
i personally think dreadlocks are not a problem unless it's really nappy and dirty looking. other than that, if the person dresses decent and takes care of themselves, then dreadlocks in the workplace should not be an issue. in fact, it is something that shouldn't even be taken into consideration when looking for a potential new member.
Personally I could careless about someone having dreadlocks. My brother-in-law has them and I don't think a thing about it. However when you look at the professional atmosphere I can see why some companies may discourage them. In the business world most companies like to have a professional image, which traditionally means a suit, tie, slacks, and short trimmed hair. I don't think they are attacking the race or ethnic group by not allowing them. They don't allow others to have long hair either. I don't see the difference from discouraging long hair or dreadlocks.
I have to agree with the above comment. Most companies do not have employees who have dreadlocks but I think this is more for professional reasons than it is racial. Anyone who is in a suit or tie with long hair doesn't look as well groomed as someone in the same suit or tie with a nice fresh clean haircut. But that's my opinion. I think what is acceptable grooming standards differs from person to person. At the end of the day, the boss gets to hire who he or she wants to hire and yes, the personal appearance of an individual will play a part in that decision.
this was an interesting post. i never did think of that but after reading your post, i do notice that there are not that many employees who has dreadlocks. actually, i barely see anyone with dreadlocks. discrimination didn't even come up in my mind to think that employers don't hire those who has dreadlocks.
ReplyDeletei personally think dreadlocks are not a problem unless it's really nappy and dirty looking. other than that, if the person dresses decent and takes care of themselves, then dreadlocks in the workplace should not be an issue. in fact, it is something that shouldn't even be taken into consideration when looking for a potential new member.
Personally I could careless about someone having dreadlocks. My brother-in-law has them and I don't think a thing about it. However when you look at the professional atmosphere I can see why some companies may discourage them. In the business world most companies like to have a professional image, which traditionally means a suit, tie, slacks, and short trimmed hair. I don't think they are attacking the race or ethnic group by not allowing them. They don't allow others to have long hair either. I don't see the difference from discouraging long hair or dreadlocks.
ReplyDeleteI have to agree with the above comment. Most companies do not have employees who have dreadlocks but I think this is more for professional reasons than it is racial. Anyone who is in a suit or tie with long hair doesn't look as well groomed as someone in the same suit or tie with a nice fresh clean haircut. But that's my opinion. I think what is acceptable grooming standards differs from person to person. At the end of the day, the boss gets to hire who he or she wants to hire and yes, the personal appearance of an individual will play a part in that decision.
ReplyDelete