new thread
I'd like to bring back a subject that bothered me a lot some time ago. As some of you can remember I used to work for one of the biggest american airlines, and one of the biggest in the world. I was forced to cut my hair after being prohibited to participate of a selective process for new employees, after had made myself all the material used on that process. I felt very bad 'cause I was a valuable member of that reservation's office in São Paulo, Brazil. Disregarding all the corruption involving the managment staff, I was finally got cut of that airline. The corruption, sexual harrassment, traffic of influences, vanity fair are still happening there, but only my long hair counted to be a reason of shame. If you ask me if people up in the USA knew about all of that was happening here, my answer is I don't know, but I just have something to say about all of that. Be brave and say no to this stupid dress codes. Why some different types of corruption are tolerate and our long hair not? Now, I'm self employed and I still miss my free tickets, I still miss visiting the USA, a Place that I really love, but I'm in peace with myself. Let's go ahead. Say no to this bullshit!
Good man Walter! You are true to yourself and now you are free. Free to be who you truly are, here and now, and no one can stand in your way!
Walter,
I've been in a situation similar to yours, although I am female, and I know others who have faced that kind of pressure on the job. I know how terrible it must have been. It is truly unbelieveable that corruption is accepted as part of the culture of business and indivuality is not. That your employer would harass you out of your job, even fire you regardless of your skills and competence because of the length of your hair is truly bizarre.
If there is one truly great thing about the Web and forums like this it is the opportunity it gives someone like me to say how teriffic I think you are.
It is our loss here in the US that you are not here once in awhile.
And you all should know....
Walter's hair is simply gorgeous! Well, he is simply gorgeous!
Keep growing it handsome!
I understand your point very well as we (long hairs) are face with constant dificulties with this close minded society.
There are also a lot of other way to "punish" those men that let their hairs grow despite this society pressure. In my case, I am harrased on the job by indirect pressure. Since I refused to let them win on that, strangely, I am ask more and more duty in my job. To a point where it can only lead to be judged as inefficient if I don't react to it. Then "they" would have all the lattitude to get rid of this "disturbing element".
It is all a matter of choice and the importance that this is having in our life.
For me, my longs hairs are very important no matter wether they like it or not but, if it was coming to a point of surviving economicaly - well...
I prefer not to think about this eventuality as I may be tented to choose my financial security but wonder what would be left of my ego to take advantage of this security.
It is not easy but the more we will be to stand for our right the more chances we will have to live decently with our long hairs.
Jean
Now, I'm self employed and I still miss my free tickets, I still miss visiting the USA, a Place that I really love, but I'm in peace with myself. Let's go ahead. Say no to this bullshit!
Hey, I'm right there with you, Walter. I'm sorry you had to go through that crap. I'm a female and I've gone through it also. I'm hoping after the year 2000 that more people will begin to wake up and dress and wear their hair the way they please. Seeing this in print seems so simple but our world has become more and more complicated. I wear an Indian bindi on my forehead from time to time and you would be amazed by how people can get so bent out of shape just by seeing a little dot on my forehead, like it somehow depletes my I.Q. or character. I have always challenged society since I've been in the workplace and I will continue to do so. It may seem sad missing some of the ease the airline gave you, but we walk a rougher a road right now, but it is important, you will see and in the end you will find life bending to your own terms, not theirs.
Peace,
Chaeya