new thread
Hi,
Recently I spoke on here about a family (mostly guys in their 20s) who were having trouble finding work. All of them had long hair. They appeared on a current affairs program on television here in Australia. Upon being offered work at a tourist resort in Far North Queensland, their prospective employer claimed it was part of the conditions of employment that they cut their hair short. They immediately shook the guy's hand, said thanks but no thanks, and walked out. They said on camera that they shouldn't have to cut their hair because "...it's a part of who we are."
This caused a major frenzy in the Australian public, mostly comprising people who were disgusted that someone who was having so much trouble getting work would refuse to do something so "trivial" as cutting their hair.
By an amazing coincidence, that story was replayed in part on a program called "20 to 01", a show that screens once a week here and covers the 20 highest rated things, such as inventions, news stories, one hit wonders, crimes, anything really. Well tonight, it was the top 20 scandals, one of which was this story.
During the show they get celebrities to make comments about the various items, giving their personal opinions. I wasn't very impressed with the way they handled this one. Even though my hair is not yet very long, it's plainly obvious these people really don't understand what it is to have long hair, and how special and personal it is to its owner, and how unreasonable and unacceptable it is to ask someone to cut off a part of their body that means the world to them. They obviously just don't get it.
LukeB
Naturally nothing was said about the people who won't employ peopole over something as "trivial" as hair length. The argument works both ways, you know.
You're absolutely right! (n/t)
Hi LukeB,
Do you live in QLD?
I have never watched this article but it sounds like an interesting story since male long hair is often disciminated in the workplace. Did the brothers even bother negotiating with the employer? They could have compromised a ponytail, bun or cut back a few inches to make it look 'neater'. I can't prejudge but these brothers sound like they have the wrong attitude to work. I'm glad they didn't give in to cutting their hair but it should also be noted that work ethic and skills are just as valued to an employer as physical appearances andpresentation.
Yes, Gold Coast.
It all happened nearly ten years ago and appeared on A Current Affair. The employer would not budge, saying they must get it cut. Admittedly the guys could have tried to negotiate to come to some agreement, such as a tidy up, ponytail, etc., but I think they just lost it and walked out. The guys were really sort-of no-hopers, or at least that's the way they were strongly portrayed on the show. To make it worse they have a sister who was similarly unyielding in her job seeking efforts. She was told to wear a particular uniform which immediately turned her off the job because it wasn't her colour. Apparently she only likes to wear purple so, go figure.
So yes, in many ways their attitudes left a lot to be desired, considering they were handed a job on a silver platter. But the employer also lacked understanding (perhaps not ever having had long hair), so it was one big cock-up on everyone's part and there were no winners, other than Channel 9's ratings.
LukeB
I remember that story well. If I remember correctly they were 2 brothers from Melbourne (That’s where I am from) and they were a long term unemployed and there story was aired on a current affairs show here. I think it was a couple days later they got a call from this resort in Queensland and rest we know they were given the job if they cut there hair. I don't understand why people are so hard on men with long hair. Isn't it whets on the inside that counts?
