went wrong and how you can improve so next time you can make it beyond the front door. :) at the same time it could have been the area you are in and they just could have been A-holes!
I know this vid is old but I just want to say your hair is/was beautiful. I don't think it was the hair that got in your way. Any office job regardless of experience you have to present your self in business attire for an interview & that is what they may have looked at first. Another thing that you could do "in future" if necessary is ask them what you could have done differently. You can word it differently. Sounds strange, but it works..that way you will have an idea of where you may have we
I am from New York and it is the same thing over here. A long time ago, I went to a job interview and was literally told, "Why don't I do something with my hair?". I could not believe it. If I knew what I know now, I probably would have taken it to court. Even though most people do not agree with me, I tend to keep my natural hair hidden. I wear braids, wigs, weaves, etc because of this attitude. I prefer to be judged by my character than someone always scrutinizing me about my hair!
i live in nyc and that same shit happens...be better off getting your own trucking business or moving out the state and marry u a white man to get the benefits of him lol
Hey sxe..while watching u'r head wrapping video I stumbled accross this one..I'm not african american. I'm a Maori girl indiginous to New Zealand but feel your fustration..You are a beautiful black woman and if ppl are offended by your natural hair in your own country after all the fkdup shit that your race has been throu then god hlp us all..Whatever your first instincts were to the situation you were put in are usually the correct one UNFORTUNATELY!
Pt 2, How bad do you want the job,if you want to just get your foot in the door,get the experience,may i suggest just getting a short cut wig wear it to the interview an on the job for a while,at home on wkend just do the natural thing,after a while on the job then start with your natural style,however make sure that you are an asset on the job for some may still give you looks but that why your YOU-TUBE family are here to encourage you.Honey i was natural when it was"t popular.
Young sister,been there done that,lived in Carolina also,many yrs ago when noone
wanted to been the Carolina,I had a hard time getting a job with a perm,can't amagine having locks that i now wear an it's been 8 yrs with these locks.Believe me
sweetheart it all has do to with the people that are hiring,an there mine sets.If living in a small town in the south it's hard for (THEM) to received your natural hair,some
see us as a negative influence to there work place.
Hey sis! I know that was upsetting. If you believe your hair is an issue then look at other options. Personally, I would not wear an afro to an interview especially in the south. I would wear cornrolls in a bun (or w/ extentions if your hair is shorter), braid-outs or twist-outs. You won't be compromising yourself and it may not be as intimidating to white people...just my .02
I very much dislike people blowing you off concerning jobs. I was fed up with mulit applications filled and now catches so I asked one place what are you looking for and thank God I got the job. might not work all the time. Some may stare at you because they wish they would be strong and do it themselves. I am going back into the work force after almost 10 of staying at home raising our children. I have gone natural and hope that I don't have anyone judging me for their selfish reasons.
You gotta do you girl. i hope that now a year later you have a great job ( though so many of us don't these days....). Your hair is beautifully natural and your wraps, like your vids are outta site. Now try to give up them cigs girl. be well peace to you.
You know what is the funniest thing of all? all those things that people see concerning your "weird" hair is something that i cannot. I did not notice anything wrong with you, all that i saw was just a woman with her natural hair out. Now, for those people who stare at you... i don't understand what is going on in their minds. Even if there are not many blacks with natural hair, there are many biracial people with similar hair type such as 3C so there is no excuse for them not to know.
Part of it has to do with other races not knowing how our natural hair looks. They are used to seeing us with straight hair/ weaves. When we wear our natural texture, they don't know how to take it. They may feel we are militant and we will set it off in the workplace. You seem very bright. Unless you are going into business for yourself, wear a protective style, go to your interview, get the job and "keep on trucking". It's a mean ole world out here, but keep the faith, sister.
i would also so to all sistas going or thinking of going naural - your natural hair LOVES natural products, food grade stuff. No one told me when i first went natural. my hair loves vegetable glycerin+water. find natural alternatives to wash and condition your hair. this is true for all people, all hair types all races. your hair will love you for it. we have to relearn how to properly care for our hair (and bodies) - corporations are running our life, and ruining our health.
also, u are a real sista, and a non-conformist. confident - and that carries in they way u are. remember, they tried to kill that out of our ppl during slavery. and ppl still have that mentality today of wanting to subdue us, and unfortunately, some of us carry the slave mentality and are subdued. but since u don't, well, they can't have any of that uppity-ness, u might make them feel less than a master and a ruler over u.
There are several issues I think - 1) you live in the south where they are even more blatantly racist and when she saw u, well u know 2) some people, not all, are more intimidated by a natural sister, 3) especially one who wraps her hair because it makes you seem almost royal and if they have issues, they really won't like u for it. Certain ppl will treat u eithr better or worse because of it.
I live in Atlanta, GA and half of the women including me wear natural hair to work. I have not have any problems finding a job with my hair. It is crazy that people judge you because of your hair.
yep. I wish I don't, but I feel I need to fool folks sometime too. We shouldn't have to play those games, and play down who we naturally are just to passify others.
girl.. im in texas and i get funny looks all the time when i wear my hair wrapped.. i think some people are just plain stupid..i get it alot because of my voice...also. when you sound professional and they see you and you are black..they get stunted.. haha.. you are beautiful.
GIRL I UNDERSTAND! I made a video on this topic and sad to say some people are intimidated by our hair and others see our hair in its natural state as a political statement especially if we rock a afro puff, braids and dreads. In the south its is not accepted too well. The very fact that we are black is not accepted very well in the South. I am in the south too and b/c I know how it is I don't at all sport afro puffs or afro's, braids or styles that may "intimidate". It is a choice we have to
cont: make unfortunately. I hate that it is like that but we have to choose b/t getting a job and feeding our family or keeping our hair and being ostracized. Girl you should do an experiment and rock a wig to interviews and see what happens...lol . But I totally understand. I have to manipulate hair everyday to go to work. It is curly and coily all the time. It is sad! Keep your head up girl!
It's immature, ignorant judgment, especially where you are sweety. I KNOW EXACTLY HOW YOU FEEL. Weak people get intimidated, judging the way people look. We can't change ourselves so drastically to fit what somebody else wants. We have to be ourselves. Because in the end we will feel better for it. They can't expect everybody to be the same. Though many are. Hope everything gets better 4 u darling. DON"T CHANGE. And i agree with "me and my naps". It's a daily struggle just trying to be yourself.
Gurl I feel you all the way from Virginia,Chicago,LasVegas, job wise and socially (blackmen) are very very eurocentric. They will say otherwise more than not. But I have had people i pass everyday that dont even speak to me, try to have conversations with me when I pressed my hair,saying I didnt know you were that smart or when did you get here etc.Now that I have locks they ask;R U from Jamacia,R U lazy,as if I need 2 burn my hair 2 B recognized as human,I refuse selfhate define my appearance
the eurocentric black men are, but make no mistake there are a lot of real men that will respect u MORE when u rock your natural and/or wrap your hair. i and others have noticed that we get a lot more men opening doors, being polite, gentlemenly, even some that r thuggish will not make catcalls at u, and a whole different type of man will "step" to you than before, and other men are intimidated-they kno better than to bring smething substandard to a real sista, it's just fewer real men!
I think part of the reason for the change in attitude is due to skin color and natural hair. White ppl tend to be more receptive to black women with straight, permed hair. I'm constantly concerned about how my hair will effect my clients. I think natural hair reminds white ppl of the revolutionary days of the 60s.
Be encouraged. th Most High will provide. I get the same response. I have a very professional voice. AKA what some people say, I can sound white. lol. I just went completely natural since Jan 5. I was in transition for 14 months. Anyway, be encourage. Search youtube and perhaps you can find some professional hairstyles.
i will be looking for a job soon......and i was planning to wear kinky twists since i was transitioning but this pushes me to go do it cuz wen i cut my hair in may/june i kno i can shock my boss but they cant kick me out ......lol
ya kno, i didnt even consider that. I always got whatever job I applied for. But once I graduated college, I aint find a thing. And now that I think about it, when I got out, my hair was natural. And everything did go well....till I walked into the offices.... DANG i wish i had picked up on dis earier... hiering discrimination=lawsuit :D
hi sxe, I live in Texas and it is the same here and I have been through exactly what you went through...this is what I did, it may not be your style but when you have to pay bills it will get the job...I have worn wigs to interviews and I have also pulled my hair all back into a ponytail(not a puff)...once I have the job, they get all of me..the afro, twist, twist out etc...keep ur head up, peace
I truly agree you dont have to conform all the way but get in the door. Try a curlier look that is what I do. I think sometimes our hair can make people nervous
I agree, you should not give up your natural, but style it in a ponytail as mstora11 said, or twists/twist-out or a bantu-knot out which looks like curls the first couple of days anyway. then once you get hired, u may have to do some re-education - which may also include some photos of black folks with nautral hair on your desk and wall (as opposed to what they see in the media all day). but if they r just blantantly racist, well, i think in ur video that woman was because of how she acted.
Hey, Sxe! I cut all my perm off a Feb.9th. I live in Arkansas so I definitely know about some serious racism issues! I have gotten mostly positive responses from white and black. but there will always be those who are intimidated by our lack of conform. Sorry folks, it is about healthy hair, not about trying to "fit in". Keep your head up! I know some people hate cliches but I am a true believer that when one window closes....
Keep your head up Girl, and do what you need to do to get the job and then be yourself. As long as you're professional with it,there's nothing they can do.
Believe it or not it's not just NC and it's not just the US. We are currently living in Japan and when my daughter (who is "natural") got hired as a customer service rep. she was wearing braids. Soon after she began to wear her fro, it was suggested by her Fillipino supervisor that maybe she should look into getting a perm, it took everything in her to keep from cussing this woman out. She politely but firmly told her that she did not put chemicals in her hair. She left her alone after that.
They're fucking Ignorant and Uneducated girl it's not you it's them. When I went natural I got laughed at and I live here in cali. they stare at you aww crazy and shit. It's Ignorance girl fuck deez haterz you feel me you look beautiful and stay strong sista. Now I'm 4 Months Natural I still hold my head up. they so use to seeing sistas weaved up glued dup they're use to it. And when they see a another sista change from that to natural they go crazy hahahahaha..
Wear your natural afro with pride. However if you have to play the game, play the game to get the job (ie. wear something more "acceptable on the white eye" for interview), then once you get the job, keep sporting that fro. I love my natural hair, I just so wish I'd discovered the joy of not perming it a long time ago. However, better late than never sis. Do you.
I had a similar experience. it changed me. anytime i have a job interview, i have to do twists or something curly. straight and puffy get me no where with haters and its such a shame.
in the past, the same thing happened to natural hair and darker skinned Black women. haters affected the kind of jobs they got, even back then-way back in 1940s and 50s. look historically at secretaries, or retail positions, jobs where you were seen by the public. the same things is still done now. size affects it too.
its true. there are so many haters. i live in NY and i get some of the same things. i have learned what natural styles get a negative response from people (white and black, latina or asain, young and old) and which ones will get me positive responses. i've been natural for a while now, about 4 years.
I'ts strange but i( I'm a caribbean girl, who grew up in the Netherlands Europe),had more bad comments comming from my own people...i'm natural for 10yrs..big up sista dont let anyone get in the way of your journey, getting closer to your innerself!!!
Ghull I absolutely luv u!!! My hubby & I are thinking about moving to N.C & chile we don't know a soul there!!! I hope I don't have no issues bout my hair cuz I will tell them folks to go on wit those games!
hey sxe, I decided to go natural this summer and rocked my fro to work for a while. let me tell you the changes and emotional strain i went thru being natural in this processed america. i got the looks and i got it on the white side and the black side. when i told my co-workers (sistas) i would be going dread soon, they started making comments about being nappy & such. when you are as God created you to be thats when the devil get seriously jealous. stay up sister and keep on ur stride
Its true, there is a stigma. Going from a relaxer to natural hair i've noticed it. The thing is that I use that stigma for me. So yeah, you can think that i'm agressive, and maybe I am, but i can use that agression to get shit done!
I'm glad you did this video. I live in NC too. I'm going to an interview tomorrow. I have been unemployed for a year, and I went natural in July 2008. I am a little nervous about wearing my fro out to the interview. But I'm going to do it anyway. This is who I am, and I hope that it doesn't affect me getting a job. Great video, I'm sorry you've had to go through that! Good luck finding something that YOU want to do!
Yeah it can be like that ... I have gotten stupid questions from folk like....isn't it about time for u to cut ur hair ... and r u growing ur hair out (followed up with a crazy stare), or a can't give me eye contact as they speak to me thing... oh well girl I am in NC too and I hope u just keep being real ... we don't need weave and wigs and such ... why should we be expected to transform into something unnatural in order to be accepted.. I sho hate it but I ain't changing .. they will have!
I'm sorry about your experience (too). I feel ya pain sista. Actually, that same thing happened to me about 10 yrs ago, over the phone everything sounded great.. & when I showed up.. the look on their face said it all. They were clearly shocked & disapointed to see me, and -- I had a relaxer then!!
:-)) So it may, or may not be your hair. And currently-I'm going on interviews now too & I honestly feel my twa is an asset to me! They can look at me & see what the deal is.
Yeah...I think we all have those kinds of stories to share just in being "black" in America! I had something similar to this happen to me...about 6 years ago now--and that happened while my hair was relaxed as well. If it's not one thing...it's another.
The story you gave is the story my Father has repeatedly tried to warn me of after I went natural....
Right now I am still studying (school)--but will be looking for a job by mid next year. My Ex boyfriend lived in N.C. and when visiting him, I always felt a little "uneasy" around the white people there. I feel I would have also had a difficult time dealing. I live in GA, and never felt so uncomfortable...
Even tho it shldn't matter HOW u wear ur hair, 4 a job interview, I prbly would have worn my hair in twists. I don't know y other races "fear the fro"--but it seems tht they r in fact intimidated by loose afro hair. I would definitely NOT suggest that u perm ur hair--NOR wear a wig! But 4 the sake of getting the job, I'd probly try twisting & pinning the twists into some kind of style. NO, it shouldn't be that way, but 2 get the job--there r ways u can wear ur NATURAL hair, & STILL get that job!
o.k I will try the twist, I didn't think of that. As far as what your father told you I wish someone had told me. I believe I would still have gone natural, but I would have been more prepared. Thanks for the advice :))!
I've been fortunate but I heard of others who wig it in the interview then after you are hired, take that shit off! They can't fired you cuz they don't like you hair.
well not yet i went natural in may of 2007 i need to look for a job now too but keep doing your natural hair do not let that make you perm your hair and that goes to show that this country is not equal what this country wants is watered down black ppl
went wrong and how you can improve so next time you can make it beyond the front door. :) at the same time it could have been the area you are in and they just could have been A-holes!
EilandMeisje85 8 months ago
I know this vid is old but I just want to say your hair is/was beautiful. I don't think it was the hair that got in your way. Any office job regardless of experience you have to present your self in business attire for an interview & that is what they may have looked at first. Another thing that you could do "in future" if necessary is ask them what you could have done differently. You can word it differently. Sounds strange, but it works..that way you will have an idea of where you may have we
EilandMeisje85 8 months ago
I am from New York and it is the same thing over here. A long time ago, I went to a job interview and was literally told, "Why don't I do something with my hair?". I could not believe it. If I knew what I know now, I probably would have taken it to court. Even though most people do not agree with me, I tend to keep my natural hair hidden. I wear braids, wigs, weaves, etc because of this attitude. I prefer to be judged by my character than someone always scrutinizing me about my hair!
cocobrowns 9 months ago
OMG i live in NC 2 hahaha:)
MrGSWAGG92 9 months ago
Thats really messed. Your hair is pretty and I dont see why youre being judged because of how you wear your hair.
TiaraIsMee 1 year ago
i live in nyc and that same shit happens...be better off getting your own trucking business or moving out the state and marry u a white man to get the benefits of him lol
Nappitude21 1 year ago
girll....i feel u
Nappitude21 1 year ago
Hey sxe..while watching u'r head wrapping video I stumbled accross this one..I'm not african american. I'm a Maori girl indiginous to New Zealand but feel your fustration..You are a beautiful black woman and if ppl are offended by your natural hair in your own country after all the fkdup shit that your race has been throu then god hlp us all..Whatever your first instincts were to the situation you were put in are usually the correct one UNFORTUNATELY!
Your hair is awesome they way it is..!!
tarnv76 1 year ago
Pt 2, How bad do you want the job,if you want to just get your foot in the door,get the experience,may i suggest just getting a short cut wig wear it to the interview an on the job for a while,at home on wkend just do the natural thing,after a while on the job then start with your natural style,however make sure that you are an asset on the job for some may still give you looks but that why your YOU-TUBE family are here to encourage you.Honey i was natural when it was"t popular.
Princemom1 1 year ago
Young sister,been there done that,lived in Carolina also,many yrs ago when noone
wanted to been the Carolina,I had a hard time getting a job with a perm,can't amagine having locks that i now wear an it's been 8 yrs with these locks.Believe me
sweetheart it all has do to with the people that are hiring,an there mine sets.If living in a small town in the south it's hard for (THEM) to received your natural hair,some
see us as a negative influence to there work place.
Princemom1 1 year ago
Hey sis! I know that was upsetting. If you believe your hair is an issue then look at other options. Personally, I would not wear an afro to an interview especially in the south. I would wear cornrolls in a bun (or w/ extentions if your hair is shorter), braid-outs or twist-outs. You won't be compromising yourself and it may not be as intimidating to white people...just my .02
dsteh23 2 years ago
I very much dislike people blowing you off concerning jobs. I was fed up with mulit applications filled and now catches so I asked one place what are you looking for and thank God I got the job. might not work all the time. Some may stare at you because they wish they would be strong and do it themselves. I am going back into the work force after almost 10 of staying at home raising our children. I have gone natural and hope that I don't have anyone judging me for their selfish reasons.
rebarenee7 2 years ago
You gotta do you girl. i hope that now a year later you have a great job ( though so many of us don't these days....). Your hair is beautifully natural and your wraps, like your vids are outta site. Now try to give up them cigs girl. be well peace to you.
nkyner 2 years ago
You know what is the funniest thing of all? all those things that people see concerning your "weird" hair is something that i cannot. I did not notice anything wrong with you, all that i saw was just a woman with her natural hair out. Now, for those people who stare at you... i don't understand what is going on in their minds. Even if there are not many blacks with natural hair, there are many biracial people with similar hair type such as 3C so there is no excuse for them not to know.
Panemorphy 2 years ago
Its been a year now....how are you on your journey?
hempmomma 2 years ago
Part of it has to do with other races not knowing how our natural hair looks. They are used to seeing us with straight hair/ weaves. When we wear our natural texture, they don't know how to take it. They may feel we are militant and we will set it off in the workplace. You seem very bright. Unless you are going into business for yourself, wear a protective style, go to your interview, get the job and "keep on trucking". It's a mean ole world out here, but keep the faith, sister.
NaturalDiva10 2 years ago
i would also so to all sistas going or thinking of going naural - your natural hair LOVES natural products, food grade stuff. No one told me when i first went natural. my hair loves vegetable glycerin+water. find natural alternatives to wash and condition your hair. this is true for all people, all hair types all races. your hair will love you for it. we have to relearn how to properly care for our hair (and bodies) - corporations are running our life, and ruining our health.
thesuperfe 2 years ago
also, u are a real sista, and a non-conformist. confident - and that carries in they way u are. remember, they tried to kill that out of our ppl during slavery. and ppl still have that mentality today of wanting to subdue us, and unfortunately, some of us carry the slave mentality and are subdued. but since u don't, well, they can't have any of that uppity-ness, u might make them feel less than a master and a ruler over u.
thesuperfe 2 years ago
There are several issues I think - 1) you live in the south where they are even more blatantly racist and when she saw u, well u know 2) some people, not all, are more intimidated by a natural sister, 3) especially one who wraps her hair because it makes you seem almost royal and if they have issues, they really won't like u for it. Certain ppl will treat u eithr better or worse because of it.
thesuperfe 2 years ago
It might have been that they thought you weren't black on the phone and just plain racism and not texture discrimination specifically.
tracyata 2 years ago
Start your own business. We live in a racist country. Don't beg for the crumbs. It''s not the south it's everywhere
hetheru 2 years ago 7
I live in Atlanta, GA and half of the women including me wear natural hair to work. I have not have any problems finding a job with my hair. It is crazy that people judge you because of your hair.
trugurl 2 years ago
Girl just pray on them but next time do something different then bust out with your natural hair. Its sorry but sometime you have to fool them
BOSSI739 2 years ago
yep. I wish I don't, but I feel I need to fool folks sometime too. We shouldn't have to play those games, and play down who we naturally are just to passify others.
p2005marie 2 years ago
It's 2009 I hope and pray that all is well now. Please let us know.
jordanshanae 2 years ago
girl.. im in texas and i get funny looks all the time when i wear my hair wrapped.. i think some people are just plain stupid..i get it alot because of my voice...also. when you sound professional and they see you and you are black..they get stunted.. haha.. you are beautiful.
snackbagger 2 years ago
GIRL I UNDERSTAND! I made a video on this topic and sad to say some people are intimidated by our hair and others see our hair in its natural state as a political statement especially if we rock a afro puff, braids and dreads. In the south its is not accepted too well. The very fact that we are black is not accepted very well in the South. I am in the south too and b/c I know how it is I don't at all sport afro puffs or afro's, braids or styles that may "intimidate". It is a choice we have to
skong432 2 years ago
cont: make unfortunately. I hate that it is like that but we have to choose b/t getting a job and feeding our family or keeping our hair and being ostracized. Girl you should do an experiment and rock a wig to interviews and see what happens...lol . But I totally understand. I have to manipulate hair everyday to go to work. It is curly and coily all the time. It is sad! Keep your head up girl!
skong432 2 years ago
come to Ohio they will give you a driving job for way more than that.
eyeofeye 2 years ago
It's immature, ignorant judgment, especially where you are sweety. I KNOW EXACTLY HOW YOU FEEL. Weak people get intimidated, judging the way people look. We can't change ourselves so drastically to fit what somebody else wants. We have to be ourselves. Because in the end we will feel better for it. They can't expect everybody to be the same. Though many are. Hope everything gets better 4 u darling. DON"T CHANGE. And i agree with "me and my naps". It's a daily struggle just trying to be yourself.
ashap00 2 years ago 3
Gurl I feel you all the way from Virginia,Chicago,LasVegas, job wise and socially (blackmen) are very very eurocentric. They will say otherwise more than not. But I have had people i pass everyday that dont even speak to me, try to have conversations with me when I pressed my hair,saying I didnt know you were that smart or when did you get here etc.Now that I have locks they ask;R U from Jamacia,R U lazy,as if I need 2 burn my hair 2 B recognized as human,I refuse selfhate define my appearance
xanmere 2 years ago
the eurocentric black men are, but make no mistake there are a lot of real men that will respect u MORE when u rock your natural and/or wrap your hair. i and others have noticed that we get a lot more men opening doors, being polite, gentlemenly, even some that r thuggish will not make catcalls at u, and a whole different type of man will "step" to you than before, and other men are intimidated-they kno better than to bring smething substandard to a real sista, it's just fewer real men!
thesuperfe 2 years ago
I think part of the reason for the change in attitude is due to skin color and natural hair. White ppl tend to be more receptive to black women with straight, permed hair. I'm constantly concerned about how my hair will effect my clients. I think natural hair reminds white ppl of the revolutionary days of the 60s.
blackhealthvillage 3 years ago
Gurl I'm in North Caroilina too and I feel ya. It is terrible! just b encourage hope my vid response helps. b blessed!
livinmybestlife 3 years ago
Be encouraged. th Most High will provide. I get the same response. I have a very professional voice. AKA what some people say, I can sound white. lol. I just went completely natural since Jan 5. I was in transition for 14 months. Anyway, be encourage. Search youtube and perhaps you can find some professional hairstyles.
jescanana2 3 years ago
i will be looking for a job soon......and i was planning to wear kinky twists since i was transitioning but this pushes me to go do it cuz wen i cut my hair in may/june i kno i can shock my boss but they cant kick me out ......lol
shaylovegirl 3 years ago
ya kno, i didnt even consider that. I always got whatever job I applied for. But once I graduated college, I aint find a thing. And now that I think about it, when I got out, my hair was natural. And everything did go well....till I walked into the offices.... DANG i wish i had picked up on dis earier... hiering discrimination=lawsuit :D
Aundj27 3 years ago
hi sxe, I live in Texas and it is the same here and I have been through exactly what you went through...this is what I did, it may not be your style but when you have to pay bills it will get the job...I have worn wigs to interviews and I have also pulled my hair all back into a ponytail(not a puff)...once I have the job, they get all of me..the afro, twist, twist out etc...keep ur head up, peace
mstora11 3 years ago 2
I haven't had the experience but I would definitely do that (lol) Get hired and them come in Monday morning sportin` an Angela Davis.
BeautyU2U 3 years ago
I truly agree you dont have to conform all the way but get in the door. Try a curlier look that is what I do. I think sometimes our hair can make people nervous
jenniferslaton1 2 years ago
I agree, you should not give up your natural, but style it in a ponytail as mstora11 said, or twists/twist-out or a bantu-knot out which looks like curls the first couple of days anyway. then once you get hired, u may have to do some re-education - which may also include some photos of black folks with nautral hair on your desk and wall (as opposed to what they see in the media all day). but if they r just blantantly racist, well, i think in ur video that woman was because of how she acted.
thesuperfe 2 years ago
Hey, Sxe! I cut all my perm off a Feb.9th. I live in Arkansas so I definitely know about some serious racism issues! I have gotten mostly positive responses from white and black. but there will always be those who are intimidated by our lack of conform. Sorry folks, it is about healthy hair, not about trying to "fit in". Keep your head up! I know some people hate cliches but I am a true believer that when one window closes....
meandmynaps 3 years ago
Keep your head up Girl, and do what you need to do to get the job and then be yourself. As long as you're professional with it,there's nothing they can do.
serenityfindingme 3 years ago
Believe it or not it's not just NC and it's not just the US. We are currently living in Japan and when my daughter (who is "natural") got hired as a customer service rep. she was wearing braids. Soon after she began to wear her fro, it was suggested by her Fillipino supervisor that maybe she should look into getting a perm, it took everything in her to keep from cussing this woman out. She politely but firmly told her that she did not put chemicals in her hair. She left her alone after that.
serenityfindingme 3 years ago
Freedom is Bliss.
They do not wish for us to find our trueselves
so they deny us the right to work or attend certain schools.
it's so Sad. Stay
Napptural and beautiful.
Peace Sistren~
SweetRefreshment 3 years ago
They're fucking Ignorant and Uneducated girl it's not you it's them. When I went natural I got laughed at and I live here in cali. they stare at you aww crazy and shit. It's Ignorance girl fuck deez haterz you feel me you look beautiful and stay strong sista. Now I'm 4 Months Natural I still hold my head up. they so use to seeing sistas weaved up glued dup they're use to it. And when they see a another sista change from that to natural they go crazy hahahahaha..
Mactyi415 3 years ago
Smoking aint good for your hair (or your health) tho girl.
youngmumma 3 years ago
Wear your natural afro with pride. However if you have to play the game, play the game to get the job (ie. wear something more "acceptable on the white eye" for interview), then once you get the job, keep sporting that fro. I love my natural hair, I just so wish I'd discovered the joy of not perming it a long time ago. However, better late than never sis. Do you.
youngmumma 3 years ago
I had a similar experience. it changed me. anytime i have a job interview, i have to do twists or something curly. straight and puffy get me no where with haters and its such a shame.
LaDiCReamA 3 years ago
in the past, the same thing happened to natural hair and darker skinned Black women. haters affected the kind of jobs they got, even back then-way back in 1940s and 50s. look historically at secretaries, or retail positions, jobs where you were seen by the public. the same things is still done now. size affects it too.
its sad that people are judged this way.
LaDiCReamA 3 years ago
its true. there are so many haters. i live in NY and i get some of the same things. i have learned what natural styles get a negative response from people (white and black, latina or asain, young and old) and which ones will get me positive responses. i've been natural for a while now, about 4 years.
LaDiCReamA 3 years ago
I'ts strange but i( I'm a caribbean girl, who grew up in the Netherlands Europe),had more bad comments comming from my own people...i'm natural for 10yrs..big up sista dont let anyone get in the way of your journey, getting closer to your innerself!!!
arajamz 3 years ago
its the south
Candeebutterfly0401 3 years ago
Ghull I absolutely luv u!!! My hubby & I are thinking about moving to N.C & chile we don't know a soul there!!! I hope I don't have no issues bout my hair cuz I will tell them folks to go on wit those games!
NoireBeaute 3 years ago
IF u can stand it come on!!! lol
sxemothatrucka 3 years ago
hey sxe, I decided to go natural this summer and rocked my fro to work for a while. let me tell you the changes and emotional strain i went thru being natural in this processed america. i got the looks and i got it on the white side and the black side. when i told my co-workers (sistas) i would be going dread soon, they started making comments about being nappy & such. when you are as God created you to be thats when the devil get seriously jealous. stay up sister and keep on ur stride
hlbradle 3 years ago 2
true that
sxemothatrucka 3 years ago
That's a damn shame I thought we came further then that.
sxemothatrucka 3 years ago
nc is still racist as hell boo
mrstdbk 3 years ago
Its true, there is a stigma. Going from a relaxer to natural hair i've noticed it. The thing is that I use that stigma for me. So yeah, you can think that i'm agressive, and maybe I am, but i can use that agression to get shit done!
thegirlonline 3 years ago
Your are soooooo beautiful sister you are just amazing, strong in spirit and in body!
MissLyrik 3 years ago 2
i know exactly what you going through sista :( Im glad Barack Obama won so all those racist desperate house wive whoes can go hang themsleves
hijabiflower 3 years ago
I'm glad you did this video. I live in NC too. I'm going to an interview tomorrow. I have been unemployed for a year, and I went natural in July 2008. I am a little nervous about wearing my fro out to the interview. But I'm going to do it anyway. This is who I am, and I hope that it doesn't affect me getting a job. Great video, I'm sorry you've had to go through that! Good luck finding something that YOU want to do!
mztmack2708 3 years ago
You look very nice by the way....
lovennappiness 3 years ago
Yeah it can be like that ... I have gotten stupid questions from folk like....isn't it about time for u to cut ur hair ... and r u growing ur hair out (followed up with a crazy stare), or a can't give me eye contact as they speak to me thing... oh well girl I am in NC too and I hope u just keep being real ... we don't need weave and wigs and such ... why should we be expected to transform into something unnatural in order to be accepted.. I sho hate it but I ain't changing .. they will have!
lovennappiness 3 years ago
I'm sorry about your experience (too). I feel ya pain sista. Actually, that same thing happened to me about 10 yrs ago, over the phone everything sounded great.. & when I showed up.. the look on their face said it all. They were clearly shocked & disapointed to see me, and -- I had a relaxer then!!
:-)) So it may, or may not be your hair. And currently-I'm going on interviews now too & I honestly feel my twa is an asset to me! They can look at me & see what the deal is.
ShiningThru 3 years ago 3
Yeah...I think we all have those kinds of stories to share just in being "black" in America! I had something similar to this happen to me...about 6 years ago now--and that happened while my hair was relaxed as well. If it's not one thing...it's another.
It's crazy and sad....
We have to just stay strong and keep going!!!
Kookie28Krisp 3 years ago
Yes - stay strong! Keep on going!!
ShiningThru 3 years ago
I am sorry to hear of your experiences.
The story you gave is the story my Father has repeatedly tried to warn me of after I went natural....
Right now I am still studying (school)--but will be looking for a job by mid next year. My Ex boyfriend lived in N.C. and when visiting him, I always felt a little "uneasy" around the white people there. I feel I would have also had a difficult time dealing. I live in GA, and never felt so uncomfortable...
(see below for conclusion...)
Kookie28Krisp 3 years ago
Even tho it shldn't matter HOW u wear ur hair, 4 a job interview, I prbly would have worn my hair in twists. I don't know y other races "fear the fro"--but it seems tht they r in fact intimidated by loose afro hair. I would definitely NOT suggest that u perm ur hair--NOR wear a wig! But 4 the sake of getting the job, I'd probly try twisting & pinning the twists into some kind of style. NO, it shouldn't be that way, but 2 get the job--there r ways u can wear ur NATURAL hair, & STILL get that job!
Kookie28Krisp 3 years ago
o.k I will try the twist, I didn't think of that. As far as what your father told you I wish someone had told me. I believe I would still have gone natural, but I would have been more prepared. Thanks for the advice :))!
sxemothatrucka 3 years ago
I've been fortunate but I heard of others who wig it in the interview then after you are hired, take that shit off! They can't fired you cuz they don't like you hair.
You are right though it is fucked up.
monicajoi 3 years ago
well not yet i went natural in may of 2007 i need to look for a job now too but keep doing your natural hair do not let that make you perm your hair and that goes to show that this country is not equal what this country wants is watered down black ppl
billk18 3 years ago
That is so damn true. It's so sad because it seems to me like that is exactly what it's getting. It still hurts ...
sxemothatrucka 3 years ago