This is a way of thought being passed from generation to generation . Today , we have schools banning black girls from wearing braids ( braided extensions ). Recently , two girls who were simply wearing protective hairstyles were banned from their prom and participating on the track team . Seriously , this is our real life , ladies .
And with this real life , let ’ s hear some real tea . Cue , the three ladies working in our government today . Because we want to respect the positions of these ladies , we will not release their names , but simply share their experiences of working in government positions with natural hair .
Active-Duty Army Member :
“ Being that I am in the military , we have what is referred to as regulations that outline the parameters of our appearance while on and off duty . Being an African American female , I found that those rules really put a constraint on what I could do with my hair . As the regulation is really what I like to refer to as a blanket rule , it does not take into account the many different hair types of the women serving . As a minority woman , it has been very difficult to transition , because for a long time , most of the beneficial hairstyles for transition were not authorized to be worn . As the regulations outlined to the T , everything from the amount of space you could have from one braid to another to the size of your bun , the color of your hair weave or wig , and how straight your part line had to be was dictated . Wearing your curly fro had to meet specific measurements or it was viewed as un-kept . Being that I have worked in predominantly male and white environments , I never got much worry on my hair because most of them were too afraid to offend me , or weren ’ t familiar with the rules themselves to make a call on if I was in the wrong . My experience was always from other women , both negative and positive . So much that anytime I feel the need to change my hair , I always check with my group of mentors whom have been in the military 10 + years to give me the go or no-go on a style .”
Risk Analyst :
“ I have worn a weave with a closure , goddess locs , and Marley Twists within the workplace . When I have a braided style , they ( coworkers ) tend to ask what the style is called , the process for installation , how long it takes , and how much it costs . Depending on how close I am with that person , I usually give all the details because they ’ ll never know if they don ’ t ask . You can clearly tell some of them have never had African American friends . When I take them through the procedure , they are usually impressed / shocked at how long it takes and the cost behind the style . I receive the biggest compliments and get asked the most questions about my goddess locs ( I guess because they look so natural ). One thing that really irritates me is when they ask if they can “ touch it ”. I am not a pet , or on display for their liking . I understand this is new to them and I may be the closest person in the culture border that they encounter , but this isn ’ t a museum . For coworkers I have a relationship with ( although it is
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