Josh Nelson
(Second Chance Builders)
“I think that it does matter because people have a preconceived notion of who they are by their physical appearance. People are basically judged by the way they look and if it’s not professional to them then they are less likely to get a job.”
Marilyn Hampton
(Second Chance Builders)
“I do think the dreadlocks are looked at in a hostile way to a business professional. With me, I wear regular run-of-the mill hair styles, so yes, it does make a difference.”
Leona Thomas
(Thomas Mechanical /
commercial plumbing proprietor)
“Yes I think in some instances it may hinder people from getting certain jobs. It shouldn’t because what’s inside of a person’s head and what they’re abilities are has nothing to do with what is on their head. But a lot of people don’t see it that way, but it does not hinder people in my eyes. As you see, I wear my hair in a natural hairstyle and have worn it that way for 30 years, and would never consider any other type.
Grady Norwood, Jr.
(Dreamwork Realty Group)
“Yes, certain hair styles are inappropriate for certain corporate cultures. And I think that in order for us to advance in corporate America we have to dress accordingly. When corporate America becomes indoctrinated into our culture then I think it will be appropriate, but now I see it as a hindrance. Because corporate America is not sensitive to the culture of our hair – we’re hair people. You can see that by all the beauty shops and barber shops in our community. So we do take that seriously about our hairstyles. But does corporate America accept our hairstyles? That’s the question and that is what we have to deal with in America.”
Shalita Pendleton
“I feel that the type of hairstyles African American’s wear do absolutely affect the jobs they get. Do to the fact that in this society hairstyles represent a lifestyle. It expresses who you are. And so that expression to certain business owners are sometimes misconstrued as inappropriate for the position.”
