Just read an article in the New York Times online in regards to UPS now allowing their employees to wear their natural hair and facial hair. This change was implemented by their first female chief executive officer, Carol Tomé, in its 113 year history according to the NYT article. I have so many thoughts. First, I did a little research on Carol Tomé. I like her. She had actually retired from Home Depot last year as their Chief Financial Officer after being with the company for 24 years. Not a bad position to hold, but was also passed up for the position of chief executive officer with the company. If you know me, you know that I am pro-woman. I believe that women, when given the opportunity, have so much to contribute to this world. Fuck all that talk that we are emotional creatures and therefore cannot be trusted to make sound decisions. That is just a cop out to keep women in “their place”. I’m going to leave that alone. I can go on and on with this topic.
My second and most important thought upon seeing that article is, Really!?!?! I am so amazed that this is even an issue much less that it is still going on. Every time I see an article in regards to how a person wears their hair, I am so confused. What in the hell does that have to do with work performance or learning ability? Not a damn thing. So for companies and schools to make decision on who they hire or who can attend certain schools based on how they look is so beyond my grasp.
As a black woman who wears her hair as it grows out of her scalp, I take offense to these regulations (this is a nice word for what is actually happening). So you are telling me that I must use chemicals to alter my hair because…🤔. I’ll wait. I’m sure that whatever answer usually comes after the “because” is insufficient. I guess I have been blessed to have worked for companies where this has never been an issue for me. Not that it should have ever been an issue. I cannot stress this enough.
Who are we to tell people who to be? How to represent themselves? People are out here talking about their civil liberties in regards to wearing a fucking mask but companies and schools are trampling on people’s ability to just be themselves? It is some serious issues in this country, just saying. If people are going to fight for anything, fight for people’s rights to express and be themselves in all arenas of life.
Besides being pro-woman, I am absolutely for people being themselves at all times even if I don’t understand where a person is coming from. I might look at you with your orange, red, blue, green or rainbow hair and think it looks strange. But what I won’t do is judge you based on it. I don’t care what your hair looks like. I don’t care how many tattoos you have. I don’t care if your beard goes down to your belly button (is that possible?). What I care about is how you treat me and others. Are you kind? Are you sincere? Are you compassionate? Are you a good person? And even if you are a bad person, I don’t care. I just won’t deal with you.
I feel so much empathy for people who feel they have to jump through hoops just to be accepted in this world. And I am so grateful that I haven’t experienced it first hand. If you are a person who is struggling to find your place, know that there is a tribe out there for you. There is a group of people who will love and accept you just the way God created you. Stop trying to fit in. Fuck that job. Fuck that school. Go where you belong. You will be better for accepting who you are and allowing your light to shine at its brightest. And whatever company or school gets you will be better for it as well. Here is one of my favorite quotes:
“It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are” – e.e. cummings
Especially in a world that is trying to squash you. Have you experienced issues at jobs in regards to your hair? The way you dress? Just being you? Please share in the comments below. Or you can email me at elsims27@yahoo.com. I look forward to hearing from you. Be you, be well and whole. Much love to you exactly as you are 🧡💚
