Topic > Hair Discrimination: Challenging Perceptions and Promoting Equality

IndexIntroductionHair Discrimination: A Form of Racial PrejudiceSocial Norms and Conformity to Beauty StandardsEqual Treatment and Hair GuidelinesConclusionReferencesIntroductionHave you ever been told to come home from work why was your hair unprofessional? In the article New York City Bans Hair Discrimination to Fight Racism by BBC News' Rosie Blunt talks about the prejudice and equality that occurs in New York when it comes to how a person of color wears their hair at work , at school or in public and are told that the styles are “unprofessional, which has been described as “racial discrimination”. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why violent video games should not be banned” ? Get an original essay Hair Discrimination: A Form of Racial Prejudice The author begins the article by stating that “Blacks are disproportionately affected by policies that ban hairstyles such as afros, cornrows, and places.” rules and policies only seem to apply to certain people, the rules apply differently. Afro, cornrows and locs have been part of black culture for many years. What are black people supposed to do if this is the only way they know how to do their hair? In many situations, it's acceptable for someone who isn't of color to have different color highlights and things of that nature, but when it comes to someone with natural hair, it becomes a problem or a distraction. This article says a lot about America. The fact that a state has to enact a law about hair, particularly the hair of a person of color, is problematic. There have been several times where a black woman or man has been asked to fix their hair to "fit the part." It's disgusting that someone has to change their hair to please someone else or make someone feel comfortable. For some people, the way they wear their hair is due to their religion. People in higher positions wouldn't ask someone to take off their hijab, but it's okay to ask someone to change their hair because it offends or doesn't seem professionally correct. Social Norms and Conforming to Beauty Standards The way society wants black women to appear is to conform to society's norms. A woman's hair is embedded in her personality and identity. In the article, someone talks about the meeting between her and her boss." They said, 'Go home, take those braids out of your hair, this is not our look.' But the hairstyle they wanted was a braid of straight hair, which is not natural. They wanted me to meet European beauty standards,” she said. (Beveled 1). The way employers tell their employees that their hair does not follow their ideal hairstyle and the company's overall look. For tell someone that braids are not part of their “look” but they prefer to have another completely different and unnatural hairstyle done Women are forced to braid to look the part It costs more financially to get a weave that cater to their natural hair. This falls under discrimination because you are forcing someone to change their physical characteristics because it doesn't fit into your standards of how someone should look like that; people of color should straighten it; they fit the “look.” If someone wears their hair in its natural state and it is a problem for black women, then it should be a problem on all levels-47296781