new thread
I just recently got a new job. One of the things that came up during the interviews was the length of my hair. During the 1st interview I was told that my hair had to be off of my shoulders and that I would have to tie it back. During the 2nd interview I was told that I had to cut my hair. Also, when I was called to come in for an interview, my dad (I was at school when they called) asked the manager on the phone about my hair and he said that I would just have to tie it back. All of the waiteresses there have long hair that is tied back, so are they discriminating against me since I'm a guy with long hair?
Basically yes, and according to your rights you should be able to get the job without altering your appearance unless you damaged their image - which I seriously doubt this to qualify for.
Try just tying it back and see what they say, if they don't give you the job and you're positive it's just because of it, record your steps taken for the job (interview, when etc) and sue them for discrimination based on sex.
I don't think you would sue someone over hair. Firstly the overwhelming cost of the whole process, the time needed, etc. Not that feasible, is it?
The employer is not obliged to give him the job. He can say "i don't want him" or "not suitable" for whatever reason. Most likely if you sued him you would just burn your time and money. There is no solid evidence that you lost a job over hair, the employer would never admit that and you have no proof. Best to get a job where you actually enjoy the working environment and interact with openminded, intelligent people, not ignoramuses.
Where are you? That makes a big difference about what laws apply. In the UK, there is some useful case law. Not least, if the dress code is not being equally restrictive between the genders, then the sex discrimination act can be applied: (Owen v PGA 2000 and Thompson v DWP 2003).
If you are in the USA, then I understand that there is less available law to help you, but again, you would need to look at the laws applicable to your state.
News and Views Current affairs discussionsProbably. I'm never quite sure if an employer is discriminating because:
a) they are worried that business might suffer due to intolerant customers being turned off by a man with long hair, or
b) the employer is intolerant of men with long hair, or
c) a combination of both.
One way or another, wouldn't it be nice if the world just grew up and left behind their ignorant ideas? After all, it IS only hair.
I am starting to get more and more unwanted comments, sometimes from colleagues. And how do you politely say, "I couldn't care less what you think. If I wanted your opinion I'd ask for it." So far I've had no boss/es complaining, so I'll see how long it takes.
Good luck in defending your rights.
Luke
I don't care how gruesome i may sound, but it would be nice(to me)...that everytime someone who is hiring you and tells you to cut your hair loses one of his arms or legs, or eyes, because to those people who keep long hair, their hair is just like a part of their body, they go through a long time with their hair and it's not something easy to get rid of. If i was told to cut my hair for a stupid job, i would make a deal with the ******* who asks me to do such a thing saying: " if you want me to cut my hair, then you cut your arm off ". I think that would then be fair, or else that retarded loser Nazi should keep his mouth shut.
-Oleg-
Couldn't have said it better myself :)
Luke
" if you want me to cut my hair, then you cut your arm off ".
HAHAHA, that is a great comeback. I'm gonna store that line in my memory so i will be prepared if an awkward situation pops up like this. My hair is part of my body, just like your arms, so i will cut my hair if you cut your arm off. classic stuff mate.
My HR manager (Human Resources)at work, once when I was summoned to meet with her over hair issues, this lady having really short, spiked, gelled hair, was telling me why I should cut my hair and so on and so forth, and after she finished, I replied,
"If I cut my hair, are you going to grow yours?"
A friendly, yet understood, impasse was reached. I did get a trim but kept most of the length.
Of course it could always be a question to show personality and I think an employer would gain some valuable insight with that answer, Oleg. Why jump to name-calling? Most people are not as invested in their hair length so it just doesn't occur to them that hair can be so important to a person. If a man can explain that nicely he might not only get the position but get to keep growing longer on the job too.
Elizabeth
True, but I get tired of all the discrimination about all this stuff and I, to be honest get really emotional myself about these issues...even though im not even considered a longhair yet :/
There is your answer from the manager himself. Pay no attention to whatever idiot told you otherwise.
My first day at work is Tuesday. Should I just go in with my hair tied back or trim it to collar and then grow it back out?
Most people will tell you it is harder to grow your hair out later than to start out with long hair and keep it.
