Jackson Free Press

I wish I was kidding.

....a recent slide show by an unidentified Glamour editor on the "Dos and Don'ts of Corporate Fashion" at a New York law firm shed some light on the topic, according to this month's American Lawyer magazine.

First slide up: an African American woman sporting an Afro. A real no-no, announced the 'Glamour' editor to the 40 or so lawyers in the room. As for dreadlocks: How truly dreadful! The style maven said it was 'shocking' that some people still think it 'appropriate' to wear those hairstyles at the office. 'No offense,' she sniffed, but those 'political' hairstyles really have to go.

The funniest part is that neither the law firm or Conde Nast will reveal the identity of the editor. Gee, I wonder why.

Previous Commentsshow

Oh yeah, you should read the comments under the article. They're more entertaining than the article itself.

LatashaWillis

Aug 15 2007

L.W., good call. This issue reflects both discrimination against black women as well as teh larger discrimination against women in our society (vis a vis "The Beauty Myth). We are expected to primp and crimp and waste oodles of time and money just to appear "acceptable" What the heck is wrong with a short afro or haircut? Black and white men do it all the time.

Izzy

Aug 15 2007

Yes, it's an amazing double standard. When a black woman wears a short 'fro, some folks immediately think "militant" or "lesbian". You don't what she is. How about asking? If you do, I'll be there to help you pick up your teeth. LOL

LatashaWillis

Aug 15 2007

I have two female black friends who at times have sported a short afro - neither is lebisan or militant to my knowledge. And both, I thought, looked fab. It's strange - the Beauty Myth by Naomi Wolf relates the weird truth that it's not just the women who are choosing these highly expensive and elaborate beauty rituals. The fact is, the business market begins to demand an image - and women who apply for upper management jobs may be turned down if they have not had "work done" Don't get me started on plastic surgery, either. Look at how many hvae died by supposedly "harmless" procedures. Ew!

Izzy

Aug 15 2007

I have two female black friends who at times have sported a short afro - neither is lebisan or militant to my knowledge. And both, I thought, looked fab. It's strange - the Beauty Myth by Naomi Wolf relates the weird truth that it's not just the women who are choosing these highly expensive and elaborate beauty rituals. The fact is, the business market begins to demand an image - and women who apply for upper management jobs may be turned down if they have not had "work done" Don't get me started on plastic surgery, either. Look at how many hvae died by supposedly "harmless" procedures. Ew!

Izzy

Aug 15 2007

Reminds me of an episode of Living Single in which Kyle's employer thought that his hairstyle was not "corporate-looking". I can see if they're sporting mohawks, but afros and dreadlocks are mainstream enough to where it should not offend anyone.

golden eagle

Aug 15 2007

golden, things have gotten better since the 90s, but we still have a looooong way to go. Oddly enough, other blacks can be just as obstinate about natural hair.

LatashaWillis

Aug 15 2007

That's not so odd. L.W. A classic feature of social oppression is the use of oppressed miniorities to regulate and oppress their own people. That's why you have to free your own mind and find others who relate to you. Women can be the harshest critics of other women's appearances. It's so pathetic. That's why "conciousness raising" groups in the 1970s were so important. Groups of women got together and realized they all felt this pressure to look perfect & cohere to the social norms.

Izzy

Aug 15 2007

You have a point there, Izzy. The internal oppression for blacks started before the Civil War, and that includes skin tone and facial features.

LatashaWillis

Aug 15 2007

Thanks L.W. I have a teenage daughter who is stressing the hair thing. This is a difficult job raising a girl in these days of expensive, elaborate, weaved, hairstyles. My teenager's hair is broken off from a few bad perm jobs, so I convinced her (rather easily because I'm the one who pays the beautician) to grow the perm out. Every day I'm giving her pep talks and telling her that her self-worth is not in her hair. But sisters, we have all been there. The natural styles are so much better for us, but we have to keep fighting corporate America - its a bummer. I'm only one touch-up away from going natural myself.

lanier77

Aug 17 2007

lanier, thanks for your comments, and let your daughter know that how God made her is more beautiful than anything she can buy in a bag or in a jar. Her hair will thank her later when she grows the relaxer out. It will become thicker and grow faster if she takes care of it. Also, if you do decide to go natural, there is a ton of support online. Here's the short list: A Nappy Hair Affair Naturally You! Magazine Nappturality Motown Girl I suggest you both register at Naturally You! and Nappturality so you can use the forums as a source of information. One thing I want to stress: Hair grease is NOT your friend. All it does is weigh the hair down, attract dirt and clog your pores. Look for products with natural oils and butters. Most of all, water IS your friend. It's the best natural moisturizer and detangler there is.

LatashaWillis

Aug 17 2007

I'm only one touch-up away from going natural myself. - Lanier 77 Yeah, when I thought about how much I'd spent on highlights over the years, to keep my hair the natural blonde it used to be when I was younger, I realized that was sort of insane. How many men spend $80 - $150 on highlights 3-4x per year? And we wonder why men out earn women?! I decided to let my hair go to its natural color about a year ago. My good friend says it's "caramel colored." Which I like. I get a great hair cut and save the rest of the money. :-)

Izzy

Aug 17 2007

Sounds good to me, Iz. :-)

LatashaWillis

Aug 17 2007