By Shun McGhee, Guest Contributor
Even with the strides made concerning cultural expression in the work place, some still hesitate to address the subject. A recent African American college graduate came to me for advice. She’d decided to stop using chemical relaxers to straighten her hair to culturally express herself. She’d recently accepted a new position with a company, and her parents were worried that it would hinder her rise up the corporate ladder. As she looked to me for advice, I remembered my aunt’s philosophy, get the job first; you can wear your hair the way you want later. Since she already had the job, I told her times were changing, and suggested that if she was uncomfortable straightening her hair for work, she should stop.
That conversation left me with a question. Discrimination is against the law (Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964), but how do we balance personal expression with company culture? When answering this, be mindful of industry standards. For example, the military maintains strict guidelines concerning your appearance. It’s safe to say growing a long beard or wearing a dashiki over your uniform won’t go over well. Consider this prior to entering your chosen field of study. Be sure your appearance doesn’t violate industry standards or company dress code. When wearing cultural garb, don’t be surprised if you’re asked questions. In college, I knew a young lady with exceptionally long finger nails. She got upset when people asked her questions about her nails, and this irritation stemmed from continually answering the same questions. Be prepared to educate folks, as people can be very curious about new customs.
Allowing room for cultural expression is a good business practice. The internet has made it possible for even the smallest businesses to establish themselves internationally. Becoming familiar with customs outside of yours is essential when expanding globally, and you must be culturally sensitive when entering these markets. Granting employees the freedom to bring heritage in with their morning coffee can allow staff members to learn something new and provide them with knowledge beneficial in the lunchroom and the boardroom.
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