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It just irritates me that "my hair" is such an issue that I get turned down for positions and Promotions while scum like this get hired on and become one of the bosses. it's pure stupidity in regards to the owner of these types of francizes.
people are so judgemental to think that us longhairs are either drug users, potential serial killers, or just plain airheads.
doesn't it ever occur to them that we might have much better morals then many short haired or shaved head guys?
Hi Florida Dude,
your story makes me wonder what's going on in Florida and in your line of work. It seems that having long hair is quite a bit easier in California, New York, or, in my case, Germany, than in Florida. I do wonder, wouldn't you be better off going elsewhere for work, or getting additional qualifications? Higher qualified professionals seem to get away with long hair much easier than semiskilled employees. If tuition is an issue, there are several countries where tuition is a LOT lower than in the US, that includes most of Europe (German universities only charge a few hundred euros or dollars per semester) - plus, you'd learn another language - something that's a lot more useful than many people think.
Still, I feel with you. Florida is nice because of the sun and the beaches, but having to fit into the mould sucks. A good friend of mine seemed to have a much easier time growing his hair in the Carolinas, as far as work is concerned - and the beaches there are still great. I wonder whether this also would be something to explore.
Another acquaintance of mine opened his own youth hostel in a touristy spot, and that way, he was able to do what he wanted...
I really hope you find some better options that allow you to be yourself, be in Florida or elsewhere.
Best wishes, and keep (it) growing
Hans-Uwe
I understand what you are saying and from what I know that is how it can be in the USA in some but not all areas. I'm sure our regular posters will put the positive side on this. If you are going for a job and they start talking about dress code issues and longhair walk away. I've walked out a few interviews in my time.
As for a management position I hardly think a supervisor a Chick-Filet warrents that. Look at the supervisors of the certainly "Big-m" chain you still see them doing some of the non-supervisor stuff.
John.B
I am sympathetic to your concerns here. Stereotypes are really insideous. And, I think if you dig a little deeper you may see what is behind the "need" for "clean cut" workers at this particular company. I found the following on Wikipedia, about Chick-fil-A and its owner, S. Truett Cathy:
"Cathy is a devout Christian, and his religious beliefs permeate the company to this day. The company's official mission statement says that the business exists to glorify God and positively influence all who come in contact with the company. The chain invests heavily in community services (especially for children and teenagers) and scholarships. Cathy's beliefs are also responsible for one of the chain's distinctive features: All Chick-fil-A locations are closed on Sundays.
"Our decision to close on Sunday was our way of honoring God and directing our attention to things more important than our business. If it took seven days to make a living with a restaurant, then we needed to be in some other line of work. Through the years, I have never wavered from that position."—S. Truett Cathy
My point is not that all Christians are this way, but that this particular company makes no bones about the fact that it is run and operated by fundamentalist (creation in 7 days)ideals, and there are stereotypes that go along with that kind of thinking.
I suppose someone could turn around and say that I am stereotyping fundamentalists. I don't think so. By definition, a fundamentalist approach says that their way is the only way. In this culture, the Christian variety of fundamentalism has not been friendly to long hair on men.
This particular business found a short-haired man who needed redemption, and Chick-fil-A is selling both chick and salvation. This guy was the perfect employee. They blew it on the employee.
And, once I got food poisoning from a Chick-fil-A.
Robert
