Discrimination based on hair texture

Discrimination based on hair texture is a form of injustice resulting in human beings being treated differently based on the stigma attached to hair texture in society.

Hair texture varies from straight hair to the curlier, kinkier hair. Curly hair also has its own variation ranging from very loose curls to the very tightly packed afro textured hair. Straight hair enjoys a higher prestige and is more widely accepted in both professional settings and everyday settings. This social stigma attached to having curly hair has created an entire economy around hair care products and treatments to straighten hair.

History

Madame C.J. Walker rose to prominence by starting a business focusing on products that would straighten kinky hair. She came to popularize the straightening comb, which revolutionized the way women straightened their hair. The straightening comb could straighten hair temporarily without the harsh side effects of previous methods.

Madame C.J. Walker marketed her product to African American women. Soon, straightening one's hair became a symbol of African American identity and economic sustenance. Madame Walker would speak to groups African American women about topics such as beauty.

Hair and the perception of beauty in the Dominican Republic

In the Dominican Republic hair is seen as an important attribute of physical beauty. Straight hair is viewed beautiful and appropriate for a professional setting; meanwhile, natural hair has a very negative connotation. Natural hair is not accepted in the society of Dominican Republic and those who choose to wear their hair naturally are the victims of insults and ridicule. In the Dominican Republic hair straightening is done in an attempt to mask African roots.[1]

Natural hair in the Dominican Republic is viewed as “pelo malo” or “bad hair”. It is part of an individual’s identity and physical appearance is important in Dominican society. In order to differentiate oneself from their Haitian neighbors, Dominican women will undergo hair straightening. Straight hair is viewed as being professional and necessary when working in a professional setting.

The idea of hair straightening in the Dominican Republic extends to a notion that in order to feel patriotic one should and needs to straighten their hair.[1]

"Going through that is to love yourself a lot. That's someone saying, ‘I am going to take care of me.' It's nationalist, it's affirmative and celebrating self."

Hair in the workplace

Employers can include in their employee handbooks what hairstyles are appropriate for their work space. However, some hairstyles put some women at a disadvantage because it does not allow them to wear their hair in a more natural form. Additionally, it affects the hiring process too. Hair that is worn naturally is more likely to affect a qualified candidates chances of being hired than their straight haired counterparts.

After being hired to particular company, the employee is subject to the employee handbook dress code, which could include hairstyles. Since physical appearance is not a protected under federal law, an employer can terminate one if they feel the employee’s hairstyle is inappropriate for the work environment.[2] This has a greater effect on individuals whose natural hair has low positive regard towards it. This type of discrimination based on hairstyles has led to a number of different lawsuits by African American women towards their former employers. A famous case of discrimination based on a hairstyle associated with afro textured hair occurred in 1981, where Renee Rogers was terminated for wearing a braided, cornrow style while on the job.[3]

Hairstyles in other places

Views on hair exist outside of a professional context as well. In 2006 Kimberly Haines was not allowed to go into a nightclub because of her dreadlocks. The club had a policy that did not allow for braids, twists, cornrows or dreadlocks, which are hairstyles more typically worn by African Americans. Haines filed for a lawsuit against the owner of the nightclub.[4]

Curlism

Curlism, a term first used by Solange Knowles, refers to a movement to change negative views towards natural hair. Particularly the negative view that natural hair is unkempt. Proponents of curlism argue that one should not change their natural hair because it is part of their identity. Furthermore, it is unfair to those who have afro textured hair because they are expected to undergo damaging treatments to their hair to achieve the societal epitome of desired hair.

Curly hair in the media

Actors in Hollywood face challenges when it comes to having curly hair and the roles that they play in particular films. Actors with curly hair tend to play roles that are sillier and less serious in nature. If they do play a role that is more serious, the curly hair is altered to have a straighter appearance or hidden altogether.[5]

Good Hair

Good Hair: a film by Chris Rock that explores the accepted look of African American hair, the industry that arose to achieve this look, and cultural effects this styling industry has had.

In the black hair business, the most profitable portion is the sale and maintenance of weaves. Women can expect to invest six to eight hours in the salon getting their hair braided into sections and then having tracks of hair attached onto the braids. After women get their weave, they regularly come back into the salon for hair washing, conditioning, and tightening. In the documentary, Rock learned that some women will spend upwards to $1000 for a weave and if they cannot afford it, they can put it on layaway.

Good Hair (film)#Weaves

See also

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 "Afro-Latin Americans". MiamiHerald.com. 2007-06-13. Retrieved 2013-09-08.
  2. ↑ Gordon, Claire (2012-05-07). "Dreadlock Discrimination: Is There Such A Thing? - Careers Articles". Jobs.aol.com. Retrieved 2013-09-08.
  3. ↑ "For African-American women, a hairstyle can be a tricky decision". SaportaReport. 2013-03-04. Retrieved 2013-09-08.
  4. ↑ "Racial Discrimination Based On A Hairstyle?". Totalinjury.com. Retrieved 2013-09-08.
  5. ↑ "Oh No They Didn't! - curlyism: hollywood's last taboo". Ohnotheydidnt.livejournal.com. 2010-09-17. Retrieved 2013-09-08.

Bibliography