We recently received an email from someone concerned about a huge faux pas made by someone representing Glamour Magazine. The email calls for a boycott against Glamour Magazine in reaction to some remarks made by a representative at a luncheon. If you get such an email, we encourage you to do your own investigation. We clicked on a link in the email to get “the rest of the story”. And while the incident does provide us for a great opportunity for discussion, even here at Treasured Locks, we differing opinions of what the proper reaction should be. What do you think?
Here is an excerpt from the email we received:
I am deeply offended by this editor’s statement as should all women of color (natural or relaxed). I didn’t realize that the way my hair grows out of my head naturally had political implications! I’ve been an avid reader of Glamour over the years, but I propose a permanent STRIKE ON PURCHASING GLAMOUR MAGAZINE. This attack on black women is no different than Imus’ recent “nappy headed hoes” statement and we have to show our financial power by hitting companies like Conde Nast where it hurts the most: their pockets.
If you agree with this strike on GLAMOUR MAGAZINE, please pass this email along to your network of family and friends. Also, if you know of any television show producers, I think it’s time for this issue to go from the web to television.
The offending remarks were made at a presentation to a group of women lawyers. The topic was the dos and don’ts of corporate fashion. Unfortunately, the person making the presentation didn’t understand the dos and don’ts of racial sensitivity.
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 thing that is shocking is how clueless this presenter was. But, we’ll get around to that later. You can read a more complete accounting of the tale here: Clearly Gottlieb Has A Bad Day
The email we received contained a link to the article. And, at the bottom of the article was this response from the editor-in-chief of the magazine:
I read your post about a Glamour editor’s comments on hairstyles for work, and I’d like to share with you our thoughts. First, we regret the comments were made. The employee — a junior staffer, not a beauty editor — spoke to a small group of lawyers at a private luncheon without her supervisor’s knowledge or approval, and her comment — that afros are not work appropriate — does not represent Glamour’s point of view.
Secondly, immediately upon learning of it, we sought to rectify the situation. The editor has been dealt with in a very serious manner, and the entire staff has been reminded of the magazine’s policies and procedures for making public appearances.
Glamour is proud of its diverse readership and celebrates the beauty of ALL women. We have responded directly and openly with readers to assure them of this fact. We have also apologized to the law firm, and we extend the same apology to you.
Cindi Leive
Editor-in-Chief of Glamour
We think this issue is of enough importance to our community that we have to say something about it. Let’s start with the “editor’s” remarks. They are certainly shocking in this day and time. No doubt that they were totally unacceptable and inappropriate. To not only imply but to outright say that natural Black hair is not professional or appropriate for the workplace is amazing. To refer to natural hair styles as “political” is something we thought we saw pass with the 1970s. She should definitely be reprimanded for her statements and sent to sensitivity training immediately. But, do her remarks rank up there with Don Imus’ famous “nappy headed hos” incident? But, what is Glamour’s responsibility in this matter? Do you believe the editor’s email which distances Glamour from the employees’ remarks? Another question this incident raises is “How should we, as a community, respond?”. Treasured Locks is all in favor of voting with your dollars and with your feet. We are believers that every action we take has an impact on our world, right down to where we choose to spend our dollars on our shampoos and our fashion magazines. But, is a call for a boycott of Glamour magazine called for? This comment didn’t appear in the pages of the magazine. It wasn’t approved by any of the management of the magazine. The person who made it wasn’t even an editor, she was a junior staffer. Apparently, she was appearing at a public appearance not even approved by the magazine. Glamour’s editor-in-chief has stated emphatically that the magazine disagrees with the remarks. On the other hand, a company is responsible for the actions of its employees. How much accountability does Glamour have for comments made by a junior staffer? Where did she get her presentation materials? Was this a corporate presentation that she gave or did she make it up herself? These are some of the questions we discussed when forming our opinion on how we should react.
We are encouraged that the members of the law firm reported this incident. The managing partner of the law firm denounced the comment as “racially insensitive, inappropriate, and wrong”. This incident should be a reminder to us that this type of thought does still exist out there. We are glad it wasn’t swept under the rug. What are your thoughts?
38 Responses to “Glamour Magazine Faux Pas”
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.
October 4th, 2007 at 1:35 am
Hi
I think we should all thank this lady for saying what people really think, because at the end of the day even if no-one says it you can pass a lot of opportunities if you wear your hair afro or locks I know i have and it is something that i accept. Now that i’m not in my twenties anymore and do not have a statement to make you know, “i’m black accept me for what I am….”, Now that I’m older I know that, if you want to get ahead you have to play by the rules.
October 5th, 2007 at 9:48 am
Thanks for your comment! We appreciate you sharing your opinion. Certainly, in any job, you have to “play by the rules”. You can’t come to work naked and you can’t come to work in ratty old jeans if you’re in a professional that requires dress attire. But we, as a society, set those rules. But, do we tolerate rules that cause an entire population of people to change their natural appearance while the other segment of the population has their natural appearance accepted? Is this fair?
The idea that a natural hair style (not dyed, not chopped some weird way- but natural) should equal a political statement is absurd. While that idea may still be lurking out there in corporate America, it needs to be exposed and eliminated.
October 9th, 2007 at 10:19 am
I must agree, the underlying theme here is that when black people are in their natural state, it is somehow interpreted as wrong or being a political statement instead of being a sign of self-love and appreciation for the way our Creator made us. It is no surprise living in a country that stresses indepenence but only if you conform to their way of being independent. It is both contradictory and oxymoronic (emphasis on moronic). To be who you are is intimidating; to conform entirely shows your need to belong and lack of esteem. To say that it is okay for one group to be natural and not for another is unfair, unjust, and ridiculous.
October 9th, 2007 at 10:48 am
I’m not sure her remarks are equal to Imus’ who is a true racist, while she may be simply ignorant. Its true people see me as more acceptable b/c of me relaxed hair vs. my sister and be Afro. However, me must change these things just as our people changed segeration laws. We all know how much they suffered for justice. We must make a statement even if this means not getting that job. If not, next thing you know they’ll be saying having a butt is a no no, and we’ll all have to starve and get lipo. Oh, wait a mintue that’s already happening to society, but we openly as people fight that. I hope we get the same open response to fighting this hair issue. We need to educate other races about why we get relaxers or stay natural. Its not just a simple choice of looks, must of the time if we get relaxers b/c is really hurts us to run a combe through our hair or our breaks off more in its natural state. Others find it easier to remain natural b/c their hair is healthier in this state and may hurt them less than relaxers. While white people get their perms just for the look of it not b/c or physical scalp pain or health reasons. Their hair choices are more for statement than ours!
October 9th, 2007 at 10:51 am
What a funny (peculiar) article!! I work for a major law firm in Louisville, Kentucky and I also wear dreadlocks. My dreadlocks do not hinder my performance — in fact, I probably work harder than any other female in the law firm! Too bad this naieve speaker didn’t read up on her topic before giving her spiel. Ignorance really blossomed at this presentation. Let’s pray for the speaker and not pass the hate.
October 9th, 2007 at 10:52 am
I wear an afro to work. I wear an afro to class. Most people say that they love my hair, no matter if I wear it natural or straight. I am proud of who I am and people will just have to accept that. Why is it ok for a female lawyer to color her hair, but not to wear it curly? Accepting a lack of acceptance…well where will that get us?? Nowhere. Having enough inner pride in yourself to not have to make an “afro statement” is great. But it’s not the point. Don’t we want our daughters to be able to wear their hair natural to work without being ridiculed? We would be extremely angry, wouldn’t we, if our daughter came home from school crying because she was ridiculed for wearing an afro? If we allow this attitude against our hair to continue, if we advocate it, before we know it, afros will become a social faux pas all together! You know it will…If Black women are allowed to get relaxers, we should also have the right to NOT get one.
October 9th, 2007 at 11:14 am
Glamour Mag and others like it breads this kind of athmosphear, whether it’s an editor of other lowely employee making the comment it does not change the fact that if you flip through the pages of the Mags you do not see anyone like you represented.What you see instead is what these editors and so call fashon know it all think you should look like. Let me remind you all that BRAIDS were also a no no, UNTIL someone from an “accepted” culture ran down the beach flinging her blonde braids and now it’s OK. I CHOOSE to wear my hair naturally in locks and look very professional and do not intend to change it regardless of what other people think.This is not a political statement, it’s healthy, economically sound and comfortable. Sure we could boycott Glamour and all others like it, but unfortunately we might have better luck when another BLONDE sports an afro or locks on a beach. I play by the rules, I come to work on time, dress professionally every day except on Fridays which is casual day, and I do what I’m being paid to do. Guess what folks? My natural hair does not stop me from doing any of the above.
October 9th, 2007 at 11:19 am
I think it is true that there is an unspoken rule about African American hair in the workplace. But if our hair is clean, neat and groomed then they shouldn’t have anything to say about.
I can totally understand if a Black male came in for an interview with long dreads–this would be seen as unprofessional because generally ANY man with long hair, be he black or white, is not thought of as “professional.” But if you are talking about a black female who is wearing her hair down/out and it looks clean, neat and groomed but it’s natural and you’re saying that’s not professional–then that’s discrimination. Now we are no longer looking at just skin discrimination–but hair discrimination because that is what naturally grows out of our head and we can no more control that than we can control the color of our skin. It would be the equivalent of telling white women that they can no longer wear their hair straight to work. That they must go get a curly perm or wear an afro wig or they are not considered “professional.”
Unfortunately we have been brain washed to think that straight is great and naps are crap and until we get rid of that self-hatred, nothing is going to change.
October 9th, 2007 at 11:22 am
Unfortunately, a lot of people believed and still believe the Afro or Locks are political statements or a movement for a group of people. Our hair is unique in itself. It has a defense mechanism built in which protects the crown of the head and base of the neck from heavy blows. This defense mechanism (some call kinks) were made to intertwine within itself as it does. When we became assimilists and wanted “better” hair, we started conking and straightening it to the point of losing our beautiful hair. A site such as Treasured Locks can provide information and products to help us maintain our God given beautiful bodies - especially our hair. Some members of the Jewish community wear locks as a form of religious expression but more so in respect to their heritage. They only cut it if they violate or break a vow. Then they must attone and can grow it back.
We have lived so long in this society of rules until we have forgotten that all rules are not just and should be challenged. May I suggest we study our heritage more. Not as a political statement but to invigorate the pride we have deep within us. Dr. Edward Robinson’s Book “Journey of the Songhai People” is an excellent place to start. In it is a very good chapter regarding our hair and skin and why they are the way they are.
October 9th, 2007 at 11:57 am
I have read the article on what “corporate america” thinks of the strong African American womans head is “supposed to look like but I laughed at the comment…
I personally wear my hair in an afro and have been natural my whole life because this is who I am…
I am no one else…
Growing up in a european dominated world… I have been disrespected and even stereoyped about my appearance but I am a Strong minded Black woman that will NEVER change my hair for NO ONE or NOTHING!!!!!
To all my nubian sisters out there keep up the good work of being real and yourselves evidentally we are intimidating to the public eye….
Peace & Love
Queen Knowledge
check my page…
Queenknowledge1@blackplanet.com
October 9th, 2007 at 12:06 pm
Hi,
Treasure Locks you posed a very good question?
‘But we, as a society, set those rules. But, do we tolerate rules that cause an entire population of people to change their natural appearance while the other segment of the population has their natural appearance accepted? Is this fair?’
No, that is absolutely unfair. You are right, they are allowed to wear their own natural styles and be themselves, but we are not. I have been in the corporate world for 19 years now and this ‘playing by the rules’ situation is alive and well. However, as I am getting older now, and I am also no longer in my 20’s, I have chosen to wear my hair natural and in a curly style, and yes I sport a curly afro sometimes. I don’t get comments from whites, but I get lots of stares and strange looks. I notice when my hair is pressed or straightened, that’s when I get the comments “Your hair looks great” or “You look so different” etc. But the the bottom line is I will continue to wear my hair natural; rules or no rules. I don’t have a need to define or play by rules to justify a European standard of beauty. And God is my Source, not the owner of the corporation.
Those remarks by that employee at Glamour were very racist and inappropriate and does not surprise me at all. I will no longer buy the magazine.
Thanks for the information.
Leah
October 9th, 2007 at 12:27 pm
It’s interesting that an African-American in a corporate environment choosing to wear their natural hair is somehow considered “rebellious.” Are people in general including other African Americans so ignorant that they assume that by rejecting chemicals you are somehow using your hair as a political statement? If the hair is well groomed and conservative in terms of the styling whether it be locks down up into an elegant upsweep or a short neatly trimmed ‘fro why does it matter if it isn’t chemically altered? Maybe this person has chosen the health of their hair and scalp over what’s considered socially acceptable to “mainstream” society.
October 9th, 2007 at 12:44 pm
It is not surprising in today’s world that black women are still looked down at for expressing who they are. While I don’t “think” an outrageous hairstyle is appropriate for the corporate world (cuz we do have to play the game), we should not always have disparaging remarks made about our “natural” state of hair. We were blessed with it, and should be proud whether we straighten, curl, lock and go free with. Too long we have been dictated to in regards to what we should look like…someone eles’standard of beauty. Says who? I don’t think a boycott is the answer…ignorance is all around us. Perceptions need to be corrected and since everyone is entitled to a opinion…it sure doesn’t mean we have to subcribe to it.
October 9th, 2007 at 12:48 pm
At first I thought all of this is maybe blown out of proportion, but now after reading the statements, and imagining myself there, I say yes I would see for a cause to take action. Like Treasured locks already stated, my natural appearance is never a no no! The way GOD has made me I love and demand that no one put me in a box and tell me I have to be like them! My curls are sexy, bold, and if they make a statement to someone I can’t help that. All I can be is me.
I would think if a company hires someone the way they and their people know they truly are, it would only help that company. It shows that this company represents you, and would be appealing to me. It would only help their profit.
They should have been careful about who they had representing them whether she gave the presentation with them knowing or not. That lets us know that their company is not in order. So now they have to deal with what happens when things aren’t in place.
She should have been fired for doing something they didn’t tell her to do, let alone having them lose customers which makes them lose money.
October 9th, 2007 at 12:54 pm
In 1971 I was told that I could not report to my first job (outside the cotton field) wearing an afro. I was told that mine looked nice, but the others may not keep theirs looking neat. I walked away from that job, in tears. I learned to slick my hair back in an puff and became “professionally” employed. As time passed I got a curl in the 80’s and ultimately got a bone straight relaxer around 1987 (long, flowing hair, at last!).
As a professional woman of color, who has the right to tell me what to wear and how to wear my own hair? Almost four years ago, I made a conscious decision to stop the madness and went to the barber shop and had all the relaxer chopped off.
Sine then, I’ve been researching and expermenting with many products in order to create the look that is my own. That’s how I came across Tywana and Treasured Locks. To my own surprise, my hair is beautiful, strong professional and sexy. Attitude is everything. If you feel ugly and unprofessional, then you are. Why buy magazines that do not promote products for women of color’s natural skin and hair???
As long as women of color continue to wear weaves,wigs and relax her hair, she is her own enemy. There is no need to be mad at a “white” woman who is clueless about afro hair. We have been and are still making the statements that our natural hair is not professional. What profession? All we want is hair that we do not have to take time to style. The answer, go natural! Wash, condition and/or gel and shake it out - Nature will take it’s course.
We are saying by our appearance that straight, long hair is sexier, more beautiful and “professional” than our natural styles. We don’t need anyone else to tell us that our hair is not appropriate; we are living it. Look at the multitude of “professional” women of color and they are saying it loudly with long flowing weaves and wigs. After all the chemicals and weaves pull our hair out by the roots, a wig is the alternative to bald.
October 9th, 2007 at 1:06 pm
I am a 30 something black woman w/ locks. I am also very fair skinned and have naturally curly hair. Throughout my life, I have been accused of being racially mixed - not so, for at least 4 generations. In my 20s I sported a curly ‘fro, a short natural, and worked in the biggest insurance firm in the world out of the headquarters in Manhattan. As a mother of 4 w/ a husband who is in the medical profession (making serious money) whose hair is also locked and past his waist, I can say that this article is disgusting at best. My children will never believe that it is ‘ok’ to be ashamed of any part of their bodies, culture or beliefs. Two of my children have thick hair w/ locks and two of them have curly hair (worn naturally) with braids and pig tails. It is not acceptable to me the way that black folks are stripping their souls and culture all in the name of fitting in to make a dollar…to be acceptable…to be safe. Our ancestors would not approve. We’ve come so far only to be ashamed of who we are, so we try to blend in…how does that make any sense at all? Are black people so driven by material possessions that we are willing to give up our soul?
October 9th, 2007 at 1:26 pm
I would like to share a different point of view. Black characteristics are misunderstood by EVERYONE, including blacks. Racial insensitivities often occur when images or identities of a certain race are underrepresented. Even within the black race, images and identities are partial. For example, natural hair is an underrepresented image in black magazines and other media types. Pick up any black hair magazine and try to find natural hair images. Even the tear out feature that most of these magazines share, usually show braid extensions and black women celebrities with non-kinky hair. As a result, the black race (in the U.S.) struggles to accept some of their own identities so how can we expect other races to fully understand them. If we don’t value our hair than others wont either.
I don’t even want to assume the race of the Glamour representative who made the presentation. She could very well have been a black woman. If we just accept these protocols of how to look like a black professional, than we are going nowhere fast. On a different note, I’ve even heard many blacks say that they want to save their vote for another candidate in the presidential election because they don’t believe a black candidate can win. What kind of attitude is that? I see more and more of this attitude within the black community of just trying to make it and molding to whatever society offers. We need to demand more and act like winners!
Sigh…ok, back to the hair incident, black folks need to step back and look at what we are showing the world. We are saying its bad to be kinky, nappy, etc. We are showing that we don’t like our hair because we are constantly straightening it and wearing weaves. We are supporting the negative connotations of the words: nappy, kinky, bad hair, etc. If we just accept that natural hair is not professional than we are further supporting that being black is not professional.
Personally, I wear my hair in an afro and my sister has sister locs. We are both successful professionals, work in corporate environments - I (designer), an ad agency and she (attorney), a law firm. Luckily, we have never had issues in our careers due to our hairstyles. The way we dress, carry ourselves and add specialized skills to any business team just further beautifies our natural hair in that setting (because its rare). I’m not saying discrimination does not occur but I want women with un-natural hair to know its NOT a career deal breaker. I would like for people, blacks and all, to look at my hair not as a 70s retro style, a political statement or whatever else but its how my hair literally grows out of my head without heat or chemicals and i wouldn’t trade it for any other hair type…period.
Thanks!
October 9th, 2007 at 2:39 pm
You know, there are lots of women of color who wear there hair however they want. CEO’s and so on, I think that you can wear however you want to and there is no do’s and don’ts. Now I personally take issued to the multi-colored thing on either side but that’s just me. I work for a Fortune 500 company and I can wear my hair however and it doesn’t matter. Its not what your hair looks like that determines if you are professional, its the way that you carry yourself that does.
Just my $.02
Ciao
October 9th, 2007 at 2:51 pm
P.S. Don’t hold Glamour responsible for that, they have an idiot on the payroll who is ignorant and has no filter on what they say. What company doesn’t?
October 9th, 2007 at 2:54 pm
Sorry I got to this email so late, I appreciate the information, and - definitely DISAGREE WITH SU’S COMMENT.
I also am ‘over 30′, and in the legal field. But I definitely do not agree with the course of action she advises. In this day and age of social-back-stepping for rights earned for blacks, it is important that we, the ones who have gone before, and in some cases paved the way, let our younger sisters (and brothers) know that we stand behind and side-by-side if necessary, in making a stalwart statement of humanity and equality in our human nature.
Is she suggesting, by agreeing with the ‘junior staffer’ that people born with ‘Nappy’ hair and not choosing to conform it (to their other ethnic counterparts that have straight hair) by chemicals, dyes, etc. are ”political’ and therefore not eligible or acceptable for high paying, visible positions in the business world?
She might want to re-think her statements, as well as look around a bit. Some of the most beautiful afro-centric hair styles to be seen are sported by our younger brothers and sisters, and older ones, in the business world of today - legal and otherwise.
Also, by verbally or even ‘physically’ agreeing that our black natural-ness is unacceptable in the business world of today is causing more harm than can be quantified, not only to our budding young ones, but to ourselves.
If we choose to straighten our hair, fine. If we don’t - that needs to be considered fine as well. All other races have the ability, and acceptance, to curl/cut/dye/straighten or wear their hair naturally - are we to be excluded from naturalness because some of the United States of America’s fashion/business have previously, and some still may dislike our being who we are, not close-as-possible mimic’s of our white counter parts?
SU might want to take a look at not only America, but the international scene of business fashion. America falls behind in the ‘natural and ethnic’ hair styles of the business world, tho we are fast ‘catching up’.
Although I am sure SU does not really agree that ‘polished locs and afros’ should not be seen in the business world, giving any type cadence to this type of thinking, silent or otherwise (encouraging our young ones to ’straighten’ out for job approval), only helps keep this type of thinking around but give a reinforcement attitude to those who wish to force us into a ’straight’ mold.
Does she really believe that the best opportunities will be lost to us because we are ‘natural’? And - would you really choose to work for a company that forces you ‘just like them’?
I believe that you would not get many takers on this one - white or black.
Lots of luv to my sisters and brothers’
October 9th, 2007 at 3:40 pm
I think we should use this incident towards our advantage with Glamour magazine. No, I don’t think we should boycott them but rather lean or put pressure on them to portray more women of color in a positive light in the magazine. There should be more articles and editorials showing black, professional, stylish women with all kinds of hairdos. They should even do a feature on “real” black professionals with natural dos that can be corporate and stylish at the same time. We set the trends, we can’t let ignorant “junior levels” dictate how we should look. Even though, sadly like Su said, there are people out there who still think this way that may hold your ticket into their company. But you know what I say, start your own firm!
October 9th, 2007 at 4:36 pm
Hm…
I think what is most important when it comes to natural hairstyles in the corporate world is the professionalism. My sister made the decision to lock her hair while in medical school and is now a resident at a hospital. She is very careful to keep her locks neat to support a professional image.
No matter how you wear your hair, your hair is only one facet (be it a large one) of your corporate identity.
I also wear my hair natural and have found that, in the workplace, people viewed my hair as an extension of my creativity and my outgoing personality. (The running joke was that my hair was always trying to greet people before I did!)
I think that the “political” view on the hairstyle comes from a variety of things but I feel that the slant could also have something to do with locale. I’m sure a corporate executive in Atlanta maynot have the same problems as an executive in a smaller metropolis that is not as exposed to cultural changes.
Just my two cents.
October 9th, 2007 at 4:47 pm
In response to Su’s comment…….
In my opinion, it is indeed sad that even after you’ve reached maturity, you are still allowing society to interfere with your own self-acceptance. Black people are not born with straight hair, so why do we continue to damage our hair to play by the so-called rules. If they jump in the lake, would you do that, just play by the rules?
I am a fifty year old professional at a world renowned medical facility in Houston. It is an environment that seems to embrace diversity, but even if they don’t I will continue to set my own standards.
I stopped using chemicals in my hair in February 2004. In April 2005, I began to lock my hair and three months later I received a professional promotion. All this to say that it is not the natural hair, afro, or locks, but if the hairstyle is appropriate for the work environment, then it will not interfere with your professional success.
The only people that were bothered by my baby locks were my black sistahs that seemed to be embarrassed because I was chosing to wear my hair natural and start the locking process. We must learn to love ourselves with our natural hair before we can expect others to embrace it.
It is now two and a half years later and some of these same women are always complimenting me and my locks on the different styles that I wear. Let’s not be so hasty in playing by their rules. Sometimes…..it is okay to stand alone!
October 9th, 2007 at 5:44 pm
I am a 38-year old African-American woman. I have worn my “natural” hair off and on for the past ten years. My decision to keep my hair in its natural state was due to health concerns that required me to take many different medications, some of which thinned and broke off my hair. My hair is now the healthiest that it has been in all of my life. I no longer require the large amounts of medication that was damaging to my hair, but I choose to keep my hair natural and yes I do sometimes “Rock the Fro.” My decision to do so is purely a matter of personal choice and quite surprising to me I get many compliments. I do not not do it as a “political statement” nor do I desire to “play by the rules” if they mean compromising who I am. I have chosen rather than follow the beaten path to create my own. Su spoke about the editor only “saying what others thought,” for me the beauty in getting older means being secure in “who” I am and not caring what others think. I am no less capable or intelligent because I wear my hair as GOD created me. I’ve found that most people have an opinion or prejudice about many things and people and the truth is “that’s their problem.” I no longer allow people to validate “who” I am. As far as Glamour magazine, let’s face it the majority of black women and/or “natural” black women are probably not subscribers to the magazine. So in lieu of that, what actually would one boycott? How do you stop purchasing something that you never considered buying in the first place?
P.S.: Su should we have also thanked her if she referred to us by the N-word? Get Real.
People should “Remove the KINKS from your mind”
-read on a t-shirt somewhere
October 9th, 2007 at 7:42 pm
As a 21-year old college student who has been natural for 2 years now, I am saddened by Su’s lack of self-esteem. You had the confidence to wear natural hair in your 20’s, but now have decided to give up and I am supposed to take that as a sign of maturity? Women like you are the reason that natural hairstyles are not accepted in some workplaces. Did it not occur to you that by wearing your hair natural, yet carrying yourself with dignity and professionalism, you could actually change people’s opinions about those with natural hair? So sad.
As for boycotting Glamour…how many of us read Glamour in the first place? I don’t. Furthermore, we are still ashamed and embarrassed by our natural hair, thus, it should not shock us that some non-blacks dislike it as well. Personally, I think the most important thing is to wear your hair in a style that pleases YOU because if you’re unhappy, you probably won’t reach your potential on the job anyway.
October 9th, 2007 at 10:34 pm
I think that Su’s comment was totally ignorant. It’s like saying all blondes are dumb. It’s sad she thinks that way but looking at all the movies and videos, one is hard press to find a Black woman with her natural hair. There’s nothing wrong with weaves, I myself have worn them, but we are showing the world we are scared of our beautiful nappy hair. I wear my hair mostly natural because it is easier and healthier to care for it. I have received compliments on my natural hair. Everything is energy and believe me, once we embrace our hair others will too. Free your mind Su!! Free your mind!!
October 10th, 2007 at 12:37 am
Unfortunately I got the same reaction to my natural from:
1. Black women while I was shopping at a Ricky’s On Broadway in Lower Manhattan (NYC). One loudly said, “I forced someone with that hairstyle to go back home!” While waiting to make a purchase in the same store, another black woman twirled her shoulder length twists practically in my face–I ignored her (though the Sun Silk “Hairapy” commercials with the two women competitvely swirling their hair is always a hilarous reminder).
2. While on the #1 train on my way to class, a black woman from the islands kept looking at my hair and rollling her eyes. I stared at her stringly, straightened hair–she got the message.
Therefore, black people need to be educated also. One of the reasons I don’t subscribe to Essence Mahgazine is because they show black women with dyed blond hair on their covers. I very seldom see black women with naturals/braids on the cover.
In fact I’ve had less attitude about my natural hair from white people than from black people!
October 10th, 2007 at 9:51 am
Su,
I am a black female field grade officer in the U.S Military who does not wear a weave or wig or extensions nor do I not relax my hair. I wear my nappy hair in cornrows right now because low maintenance is what I need in this environment (I am in Iraq). Back home, I wear my hair pulled back and sport an afro puff or I wear twists and pull them back. I get promoted because of my job performance and education, NOT my hair. I make a six figure income without denying my blackness. So Su, I ask you, what rules are you playing by?
October 10th, 2007 at 10:47 am
I firmly believe that the attitude the Glamour staffer exsisted long before she made the comments on hair. I believe it was/is common to the mindset of the environment in which she worked. Let me explain-
I invested my money and time in Glamour magazine for the better half of my 20’s, I liked Glamour magazine more than the other women’s magazines out there, I found it to be much more practical. Last year there was a story run, where individual readers/writers shared their experiences (”My bikini line secret” P.64 May 2006.
The contribution that caught my eye was that of an African-American woman telling the world of her disdain relating to the personal grooming habits of African American women (I go Brazilian but it’s not easy). I’m not sure when she had the chance to meet all of the Afican American women in the US, but I digress, some of the statements in that article were so brazenly racist, I could not believe it. I started to think maybe because the piece was written by an African American woman, someone felt that the comments would not be seen “as” racist? I do not know. What I do know, and what concerned me the most was that an editor signed off on that story. Someone who approved that story must feel or must have felt the same way in order to have not pulled it.
I felt so strongly about the piece that I actually wrote Glamour of my disappointment in the piece, and the decision to run it.
Their response to me: It was that individual’s experiences.
Fair enough right? The thing is when you print something that says African American women call white women “Becky” behind their backs- without specifying that it was “that individual’s experience”.
It is a problem.
That was only one of many instances in that piece.
If the staffer who made the hair comments didnt feel comfortable in her work environment saying, thinking or even discussing it with coworkers- it would not have come so naturally outside of the office. It is one of the main reasons I do not buy the editior’s- “oh we didnt know, she didnt tell us, it was all done without our consent” statement. Don’t they read their own magazine?
After such a nonchalant response to such a serious issue, I discontinued my subscription to Glamour, and I have not looked back.
October 10th, 2007 at 1:47 pm
In addition, I forgot to mention that the majority of professionals, be they black, white or green, are just that “PROFESSIONALS.” They’ve worked hard to get to that point in their careers. I don’t know of one person at that level who does not care about their grooming habits. We shower daily (some several times), floss and brush our teeth, wash our hair, comb our hair, press our clothes, moisturize our skin, etc. I think you get the picture, so my point and question is “What is unprofessional” with these things. We teach our children proper self-care and grooming as well and I don’t know of anyone who was taught these things, who grew up, went off to college, made it in the professional world and stopped taking care of their personal grooming. So, if I chose to wear my hair in it’s natural state as long as it is clean and neat and I continue to do the job that I’m paid to do (especially if I do it well) what difference does it make? Also, for those that see it as a “distraction” if they were focused on the job that they were paid to do they probably wouldn’t be concentrating on how I chose to wear my hair.
October 10th, 2007 at 9:25 pm
I hope more people take the time to read carefully what Treasured Locks is saying. Read the response from the editor in chief of Glamour. The person who made the comments did not represent Glamour’s views. Personally I don’t buy Glamour because I never found much to my interest in the magazine. And I have been wearing my hair short and natural for about 4 years. Can you guess who I get more negative reactions from in my workplace. You got it; my sisters. Perhaps Whites have negative opinions of my hair but so far none have voiced these opinions to me.
The big Afro of my twenties was in part a political statement. Today I just love my short nappy hair. Washing my hair in the shower and then going off to work in the morning is true freedom. At first I kept all natural; grey and all. Now I find a little color rinse every 4 weeks doesn’t inhibit my freedom. I love running my fingers through my clean krinkly hair to the extent that you can “run” fingers through it. LOL. I feel liberated.
October 11th, 2007 at 11:24 am
Wow. We love all the comments. Thanks for taking the time.
We can see this article has really resonated with a lot of you. We feel like natural hair should never be discouraged or (heaven forbid) banned. Professionals understand the need for grooming and grooming is expected of everyone in the professional workplace. But, to imply that natural hair is not well-groomed or is a political statement is just flat-out wrong.
We’ll have more to say on the topic of natural hair (and relaxed hair) in the coming weeks. Stay tuned!
October 11th, 2007 at 2:17 pm
First I would like to say, while there are differences of opinions, what I have read so far has all been intelligent thought and very productive.I applaud all of my sisters for showing your talents through speech and acumen. Now, I at 25 years of age have just recently resigned as a loan auditor, which is a very hard job to obtain in and of itself, at that age, and I did it with a fro. A BIG FRO too ladies!!! LOL. I agree in some cases one may have to play by the rules in order to succeed, as someone mentioned earlier, but it seems it also depends on how you wear your personality not just your hair. I am unashamedly black and I love it but I try not to let my love for myself and my heritage impose on another. I prefer to live through encouragement and hopefully my fro will inspire those not of African descent to be their natural selves also. Perhaps there will come a day when the fro will have to change but thus far I have not had the experience….and at 58 yrs. of age neither has my mother! Love yourselves, you beautiful bunch of proud, intelligent black women! Smile. RESPECT.
October 11th, 2007 at 2:32 pm
P.S. I simply excuse Glamour’s staff, we can only teach by doing not just saying. I think someone should emphasize to our black magazine owners that natural hair is “good hair” also. My daddy always told me “When you have hair, it’s good hair, bad hair is when you don’t!” Keeping smiling and keep combing/locking!!
October 13th, 2007 at 7:37 am
Heard about this all the way in England where many black women & other women of colour buy GLAMOUR magazine. The shocking comments were announced on one of the black radio staions I won’t be buying this magazine any more!!! I’m sure women in the UK will boycott GLAMOUR!
October 27th, 2007 at 11:10 pm
It would appear to me that these Imus types (including Su) that they have a bigger issue with our hair than we do. You know smoething, they need to stop playing God and just lay off us and our young black male kids. Just leave us alone and let us be who we are. (Always have something to say, nobody asked you!) They are constantly on us like a plague.
We don’t make them a topic at our dinner table,(they are just not that interesting to us) we seldomly consider them even though they are our natrual preditors. It’s has if they live, sleep, and breathe black people. They really have a serious problem, I know, I am around them, I hide behind the curtains and listen to them talk about black people. I have so called reformed racist frends and know first hand how they think. Our very existance eat away at their souls. Too bad more black people don’t consider them the true enemies that they really are.
October 29th, 2007 at 10:29 am
Hello All,
I came across this article while doing some research because we are having this same issue with women in the military. I trying to get in contact with any females that have (or use to have) locks (i.e African locks, sista locks, twist locks,etc)that are military. It doesn’t matter the branch of service as long as they have permanent locks other than braids.
I am trying to organize as a group to a federal organization that can
address this issue to the uniform board on our behalf, because I know of a few women that have been forced to shave their heads after addressing this issue individually
If you are military and are not afraid to voice yourself please contact me at philly_25st@hotmail.com
Thank you in advance.
February 21st, 2008 at 4:52 pm
SISTERS, THE ASIAN ( they are funded by their goverment come to our hoods
sell us their products , and refuse to share the market with bro & sisters
in the business)HAIR CARE MARKET IS AND IS BECOMING RICHER EVERY DAY BECAUSE
WE ARE BUYING HAIR OR WHAT LOOKS LIKE HAIR. JUST TO PLEASE THE OPPRESSIVE EX-
SLAVE MASTERS CHILDERN AND THOSE WHO THINK LIKE THEM. NOW EVEN OUR BABIES
ARE WAREING WIGS. KEEP THOSE CHEMICAL OFF AND OUT OF YOUR HEAD INORDER FOR
BRAIN TO FUNCTION SO YOU CAN THINK WITH YOUR GOD MIND..JUST KEEPING IT
REAL….BEEN THERE I HAVE AWAKEN