IMHO: Natural Corporate America

The insecurities associated with African American women and natural hair in corporate America has been a difficult topic of discussion for decades. Women often feel uncomfortable wearing their hair in its natural state because of the various comments from co-workers, the idea their work ethic will become unseen due to the political connection with natural hairstyles, and the pure feeling of appearing different from fellow co-workers. I would like to believe America has progressed since the times of segregation and the Black Power Movement when dealing with equality in the work place.

While reading an article on The Huffington Post, Author Julee Wilson discussed a panel meeting about the effects of wearing natural hair in the work place. Most women in on the panel believed their hair had an impact on the promotions or lack there of due to the decision to wear their hair in its natural state. This is a topic that is near and dear to my heart. I believe as an American, we have culturally advanced far too much to consider a hairstyle when deciding who should receive advancements at work.

One interview however opened my eyes to a new perspective. Author Luke Visconti posed the question to a white male, unidentified, if he believes “Blacks” should relax their hair to get promoted. The answers Visconti gave were not only enlightening but allow the concerned women to look deep within them to see what the rooted issue really is. Visconti made a great point by stating “Since white men run most corporations in this country, straightened hair and/or lighter skin is going to be an advantage (disturbing, but let’s keep it real),” –Unidentified White Guy. This is a statement we all can identify with and agree to. Although it is unfortunate, it still holds true in almost every aspect of life. As humans, we tend to gravitate to the familiar or things we can understand. The article was a great read and I believe it is up to African American to expose America to the changes they wish to see, as they have been doing with the recent Natural Hair Movement.

Bibliography: DiversityInc, (2012). Ask the White Guy: Do Blacks Need to Relax Their Natural Hair to Get Promoted? - DiversityInc. [online] Available at: http://www.diversityinc.com/ask-the-white-guy/do-blacks-need-to-relax-their-natural-hair-to-get-promoted/ [Accessed 2 Apr. 2014].

Bibliography: Wilson, J. (2014). Work Vs. Hair. [online] The Huffington Post. Available at: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/03/05/black-women-natural-hair-at-the-workplace_n_2811056.html [Accessed 2 Apr. 2014].