Feature
True Life:
Natural, Black Hair
in the Government
A
risk analyst, an active-duty member of the
United States Army, a public policy associ-
ate. Three different positions, but all posi-
tions revolving around the government and
located in the nation’s capital. There is another thing
these three positions have in common: all of the po-
sitions are taken by black women; black women with
natural hair. Not only did black women face challenges being black,
but also being a women. As a women, black or white,
a well-groomed appearance has been seen as more ap-
propriate to the office place than a more eclectic style.
Appearance for any women played a part in getting and
maintaining a job. Those were back in the days where
women were seen better fit for the kitchen and not for
gaining the title of CEO.
Women with government positions have natural hair?
We know this may be a hard pill to swallow, but yes,
in this present day rare sightings of natural hair can be
seen walking up and down Capitol Hill. Black women
with natural hair in government positions were once a
rare commodity, but in today’s world, millennials are
challenging the stereotype and staying true to their
natural textures. But wherever there’s progress, there
is still a long way to go, and wherever there’s one ac-
cepting person, there’s another five behind them with
different views. Sadly, straight, not kinky hair in professional settings
was also taught by our own heritage. The lingering
thought of straight, long hair being favored over kinky
curls still remains prevalent today. Ever since the pro-
duction of the hot comb by Madam CJ Walker and the
creation of perms, black women have tried all kinds of
damaging tools all to stay proper, clean and accepted
by every culture.
Why exactly is natural hair frowned upon in the profes-
sional world? There are many factors and generations
to account for this reason. Natural hair in profession-
al positions has always left a “nappy”, unpresentable
taste in people’s mouths. Within black culture where
separate, but equal remained supreme, black was not
favored, especially black hair. To be accepted meant
changing yourself to reflect Caucasian culture more
than your own. This started with the hair. Most will not
agree with this or say this, but sadly, this is true.
At Historically Black Colleges and Universities, rules
are enforced about appearances for class, even to sim-
ply be accepted into the schools. Former Hampton
University students have noted that most majors in the
school ban dreadlocks or overly eccentric natural hair,
even though this cannot be confirmed by the school.
With all of these factors, the realities of becoming a
working women and not being judged off appearance,
but work ethic ultimately leads to putting chemical
products in black hair. After all, women already face
challenges in the workplace and challenges from the
color of their skin. Why add another cut to the wound
and simply perm your hair?
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