Sloppy and possible

See my post above yours. You both make intelligent points for me to think about and it has made me think.

I must say that this thread here has forced me to look at things from a diferent point of view once the anger from what happened at work calmed down.

I agree that it would be in no-ones interests to claim racial isues here. I guess in the longrun that it devalues cases where the abhorrent issue of racism occurs.

Also my husband has just come back, heard about what happened today and my reaction, read this and told me not to be "so bloody stupid" and do as the company requires and not to risk the job that we need.

Thank you

Hi Kintoa,
Congrats on your new addition firstly.

I live with a 'diversity' expert and he deals with questions like yours day in, day out so I asked him what he thinks. As there is no religious requirement for dreads (we are presuming you are not rastafarian) or even a strong cultural 'norm', his feeling is that a legal challenge would be unsuccessful. Also if it is stated in your uniform wearers rules then you could be said to have agreed to it when you joined. If not though, it could be one managers interpretation in which case your best approach would be to trial it internally as a grievance against that individual. You could try to demonstrate that there were no hygiene issues around your dreads and that you undertook to have them regularly redressed in order to keep them immaculate for work.

Or you could just enjoy looking at the pictures of when you had them and get started on a baby brother or sister!

Hi Kintoa,

congratulations on your new addition. Sounds like you are doubly blessed as you have a husband that can see through to the crux of the matter and give you some sound but blunt advice! Sounds like he is also blessed that you can take such advice as well.

Keeping one's perspective can be hard when a situation angers you, seems like you have a wise head on your shoulders in seeking opinion from others before launching into a battle with your employer. Even more importantly you have listened to that advice and seem willing to act on it, many people would not have done so. Enjoy your return to work.

That made me laugh :) Sometimes other halves just have a way of bringing us back down to earth.

I had been thinking after posting earlier. My ancestors (probably/possibly) fought for their freedom, but that doesn't make me demand that I should be allowed to wear a kilt (or whatever the people in my cultural background used to define themselves - bearskin/grass skirt) to my workplace. Imagine if everyone did that? If the medical team who just helped you with your baby all came in wearing bones thru' their noses & ears, or feathers in their hair etc, etc and a tiny piece of cloth to cover up the parts we don't all need to see, might you have thought this a little odd?

A uniform gives uniformity, if you work in an environment where uniformity is required, self-expression has to find a different outlet.

Ferny

They do indeed have that ability to bring perspective on things.

My decsion has been taken and the hair goes.

Next baby God willing, I'll grow them again!

Ottergirl

Thnaks for taking the trouble to ask your friend on my behalf.

Juan

I am indeed blessed.