Haraka
I hear you about wokeness. I think you need to choose your battles a little better though.
Allowing beards is not ‘woke’. It’s just a reflection of changing times.
In the 18th century men used to plait their hair and wear wigs into battle. Eventually that went out of favour and times moved on. How is the acceptance of beards any different?
Remember, change isn’t wrong. It’s just different.
I also think that those no longer serving shouldn’t really expect a vote on what is acceptable any more. There are an awful lot of practices from bygone eras that we no longer use. That can be good and bad.
I don’t really allow any of it to upset me too much. And I am still serving.
D&I training days are another great example of something that upsets a lot of people (especially older males). However, from listening to the conversations of some people that I serve alongside it is clear that we have a way to go before they are no longer required.
Honestly there are bigger and better things to get upset about.
BV