That S.O.B. Called My Hair OUTLANDISH!

[aloof one]

As some of you know, I got my hair cornrowed on Friday. I was nervous because I have not had braids since I was 15 years old in high school, and I was afraid I wouldn't look right and also worried the people in ROTC would throw a fit or try to cause problems. Well everything was going great and people were saying how nice it looked and commenting on my hair (this really made me feel a lot better about the whole thing because no one had been rude), then all of a sudden one of my 'officers' (but he's not really in charge, just an upperclassman, no one special as far as I'm concerned) approached me in front of everybody. Keep in mind we are outside (about 20-30 of us) doing a service project on someone's yard in front of God and everybody. This is not in private, and neither is it the time nor the place for the conversation that ensues:

Me-That's some pretty badass hair you got there. (sarcasm Im pretty sure)
A$$- Yea, I guess. :::I cock my head to the side and shrug my shoulders, clearly trying to show this foo I had already had enough of whatever he was about to start:::
A$$- (as if someone asked this busta) Yea I'm pretty sure you can't wear that in uniform, so-
Me- It's fine.(irritated already, I cut thus punk off)
A$$- I'm pretty sure it's not, you need to check with-
Me- I did, its fine :::my eyes probably pop out here and I'm backing away as if to say, "Can we discuss this later?:::
A$$- No, you need to talk to (somebody's name)
Me- No, its fine, I can put it up it is fine.
A$$- I'm pretty sure your hair is outlandish and you can' wear it in uniform ::f course this fool is creating a scene and everyone is listening to him, exactly what he wants::: What if I decided to wear a mohawk, they wouldn't let me do that, so why do you get to have your hair looking like that?
Me- Anyway...
A$$- Seriously, its the same thing, what if I got a mohawk, you can't wear that-
Me- F^CK YOU! :::this became my response to everything he said after a while

It went on like that, but that's the overall gist of the conversation.

He called it Outlandish?! Yall know I don't play that. Outlandish means: strange; rude; barbarous; uncouth; clownish; as, an outlandish dress, behavior, or
speech.

So wait, having hair that is not like his makes me barbaric and clownish? But white girls can do FRENCH braids, as soon as I do these braids I am uncouth? My braids are just as neat as theirs if not neater, and I can fit it in a bun. Not to mention Im not the only person in this place to ever get braids before. I guess its because I am the only black person in my squadron he decided he could bully me out of it. He actually compared braids to a mohawk. To a fad that mostly white folks use that comes and goes with fashion. As if Africans just now started braiding their hair as a fad, as if being black is some kind of thing that comes and goes like leggings or fedoras or skinny jeans. I am sick and tired of these racist, bigoted, stuck up, self righteous, ^$$%#%#$ JERKS trying to bring me down and make me feel inferior.

I don't even know what to say or do at this point, or how to handle what this chump tries to throw at me next. What if he tries to make me take them out or something? Grrr... He'res a pic, yall decide if my hair is "outlandish:"

 

[neonbright]

Ok for one after being in the Army for 10 years and working as a Army Cilivian for over 2 years you hairstyle can be worn in your uniform. He is a so call ROTC officer, I have more to say but I will leave that alone. You hair is beautiful, I wore my hair a lot when I was in active and a lot of women I know get corn rows and put it up in a bun all the time on active duty.

Shake it off and keep you head up.

Here is the regulation:

2204.1 GENERAL. Hair will be clean and neatly arranged. No outrageously multicolored or faddish hairstyles, to include shaved portions of the scalp (other than the neckline), or have designs cut or braided into the hair. Hair coloring must look natural and complement the individual. Haircuts and styles shall present a balanced appearance. Lop-sided and extremely asymmetrical styles are not authorized. Ponytails, pigtails, widely spaced individual hanging locks, and braids, which protrude from the head, are not authorized. Multiple braids are authorized. Braided hairstyles shall be conservative and conform to the guidelines listed herein. When a hairstyle of multiple braids is worn, braids shall be of uniform dimensions, small in diameter (approx. 1/4 inch), and tightly interwoven to present a neat, professional, well-groomed appearance. Foreign material (i.e., beads, decorative items) shall not be braided into the hair. Short hair may be braided in symmetrical fore-and-aft rows (corn rowing), which minimize scalp exposure. Cornrow ends shall not protrude from the head, and shall be secured only with inconspicuous rubber bands that match the color of the hair. Appropriateness of a hairstyle shall also be judged by its appearance when headgear is worn. All headgear shall fit snugly and comfortably around the largest part of the head without distortion or excessive gaps. Hair shall not show from under the front of the brim of the combination hat, garrison, or command ball caps. Hairstyles which do not allow headgear to be worn in this manner, or which interfere with the proper wear of protective masks or equipment are prohibited. When in uniform, the hair may touch, but not fall below a horizontal line level with the lower edge of the back of the collar. With jumper uniforms, hair may extend a maximum of 1 1/2 inches below the top of the jumper collar. (Figure 13, Appendix 1, Page 1-13)

 

[Bosslady1]

They look like normal braids! I do not understand what the big deal is...

Now, if you got them super long (down to your butt) or multi colored (think rainbow colors) then it might have been inappropriate.

If you still feel uncomfortable with your braids, take them out.

 

[cici22]

Your hair looks nice.

Don't worry about him. He's just a jerk on a power trip and wants to take it out on you. What he did was rude and uncalled for. As long as you've gotten the okay to wear your hair in that style, what he says means nothing.

 

[HAIRapy]

This was a horrible situation you were in, I'm sorry you had to go through that ordeal. I would report his a$$! That was inappropriate, and leaned towards harassment. He also is creating a hostile environment. BUT, that could make your situation worse if you're the only African American there.

Your hair is in no way outlandish! It looks very nice and neat and it fits under the ROTC hats you have to wear (I believe you have to wear one sometimes, I may be wrong), so who is he to judge. Since you got your OK from your higher-ups, I would just call him a hater and ask is he jealous and does he want the number to your stylist to get the same style. He probably likes you and doesn't want the other white people to know that he's lusting after some chocolate. So like the little boy he is, he bullies you. You know, he doesn't know whether to hug or hit, he's a sucka!

 

[trini_rican]

You look beautiful - he's an ***, chalk it up to that.

Maybe you can call him out by saying I must be pretty damn special for you to make such a big deal about my hair like this because - Becky and Megan alway french braid their hair and I've never heard you comment on it. I didn't know you liked hot chocolate He'll be beet red and leave you the **** alone.

 

[lboogie2679]

I think that you did the right thing. IMO you should have told him exactly what you said here. Braids are not a fad. It's the same thing with natural hair. White people always feel like WE have to confirm to what they think looks good. I think your hair looks very nice and neat and should not be a distraction to anyone. Nowadays, THOSE people feel like it is pick on black folks season. I am personally sick of it. Everybody is walking around disrespecting us!! I mean when is it going to end. O'Reilly, Imus, and even the Dog the bounty hunter. A man that has been to prison, has 20 kids with 15 different women. Stand your ground girly, and don't that that guy see you sweat. If I were you I would file a complaint with whoever, but that is discrimination!

 

[PAPRIKA]

Sorry to hear that sweety, I think your braids are BEAUTIFUL. Very neat! I don't know much about the uniform requirements but if length is the pRoblem you can always pin the back up. If it is indeed a discrimination issue and you feel as though you are constantly being harassed by this individual I highly recommenD making a complaint with one of your higher ups immediately. The more you let him get away with that's the farther he will try to puch you. HTH

 

[EMJazzy]

My patton answer to unpleasant comments about my hair is: "I don't remember asking for your opinion." You should have asked him: "Are you jealous?" Can you bring harrassment charges against him?

 

[schipperchow1]

Your hair certainly is not outlandish! It is neet and stylish & can easily be put upin a bun. As others have alluded to, he has obviously noticed the change in style & may have some feelings for you that he is not exactly comfortable with. Either way, his actions sounds like it could be harassment.

 

[sharentu]

his behavior was outlandish. he wanted to make a scene and he came out looking like the idiot he is. your hair looks great. dont pay babbling idiots no mind.

 

[aloof one]

Your hair certainly is not outlandish! It is neet and stylish & can easily be put upin a bun. As others have alluded to, he has obviously noticed the change in style & may have some feelings for you that he is not exactly comfortable with. Either way, his actions sounds like it could be harassment.

I feel exactly the same way. People like him make me hate white people a little more everytime they open their mouth. It makes me wonder how 90% of my ex boyfriends were Caucasians.... Then I realize how f^cked up some of these suckas can be. No one else had a problem but this chump, and unfortunately he is second in command in my squadron (how he remains there is a mystery). Now I'm going to print out ever grooming standard and regulation I can find to support my argument to get this busta outta my face.

I thank all of you so much for your responses, I was on the verge of taking them out just to make him shut up, but if I did that, it would mean he won again. This isn't the first time this foo has started some drama with me, and if I keep these in and fight it, maybe it will be the last and he can close his mouth and get out of my face.

 

[girlyprincess23]

GUURRRLLL you are better than me!! I would have went on a black is beautiful tirade, ask him how DARE he try to demean me and my culture, commenced to curse his ole retarted bigot self out in front of everybody, made him feel 1 inch tall, let him know how i did not give 1 flying fu** about his standing and if he would've tried to get smart or physical (if he dared) I would have grabbed the nearest gardening tool and gave him the worst a** whooping he ever received or will receive from a girl in cornrows!! Then if he tried to sue me or the ROTC program would have tried to take corrective action or anything I would have screamed civil rights abuse, racial profiling, and severe emotional distress!! They would've left me alone after that. But since your sane and it's already after the fact I would report him and make sure they didnt give him no slap on the wrist either, I would make a big racial case out of it. The sooner everyone learns that white is not right and that their are other cultures in styles in the US the better everyone would be. ole ignorant <explicative, explicative, explicative>

 

[MissJ]

Your hair looks good. I don't see anything wrong with wearing that in uniform. I think the guy just wanted to pick on you.

 

[Maynard]

Great. Now you have a chance to save yourself.

 

[aloof one]

That ole punk. I can't wait to see him again--- all of us have a meeting tonight and I hope he has something nasty to say. I am already thinking about responses, and I already have a lot I want to tell him. I hope he tries to get an audience like he did before so I can embarrass him.

 

[SparklingFlame]

First let me say that I am so sorry that you had to go thru that.

We all know how white people feel about our hair when its in cornrows or locks. It must be in their genetic make up to fear anyone who wears these styles. Like wearing your hair like that will magically transform you into a ruthless white man killer or something. Me, I'd love to tell them all to go to helz in a handbasket. As long as you arent breaking any of the regulations for your uniforms tell them to kiss your ***.

Is that too hard core? I'm just not feeling clear people right now I suppose.

 

[napgurl]

Here is the regulation:

2204.1 GENERAL. Hair will be clean and neatly arranged. No outrageously multicolored or faddish hairstyles, to include shaved portions of the scalp (other than the neckline), or have designs cut or braided into the hair. Hair coloring must look natural and complement the individual. Haircuts and styles shall present a balanced appearance. Lop-sided and extremely asymmetrical styles are not authorized. Ponytails, pigtails, widely spaced individual hanging locks, and braids, which protrude from the head, are not authorized. Multiple braids are authorized. Braided hairstyles shall be conservative and conform to the guidelines listed herein. When a hairstyle of multiple braids is worn, braids shall be of uniform dimensions, small in diameter (approx. 1/4 inch), and tightly interwoven to present a neat, professional, well-groomed appearance. Foreign material (i.e., beads, decorative items) shall not be braided into the hair. Short hair may be braided in symmetrical fore-and-aft rows (corn rowing), which minimize scalp exposure. Cornrow ends shall not protrude from the head, and shall be secured only with inconspicuous rubber bands that match the color of the hair. Appropriateness of a hairstyle shall also be judged by its appearance when headgear is worn. All headgear shall fit snugly and comfortably around the largest part of the head without distortion or excessive gaps. Hair shall not show from under the front of the brim of the combination hat, garrison, or command ball caps. Hairstyles which do not allow headgear to be worn in this manner, or which interfere with the proper wear of protective masks or equipment are prohibited. When in uniform, the hair may touch, but not fall below a horizontal line level with the lower edge of the back of the collar. With jumper uniforms, hair may extend a maximum of 1 1/2 inches below the top of the jumper collar. (Figure 13, Appendix 1, Page 1-13)

I would email him this regulation and cc your superiors.

 

[Mook's hair]

That style is beautiful. So much so that I'm about to print the image and make my parts just like yours.

Don't you love it when the rule book is on your side. Now all you have to say is "Go check regulation: 2204.1 GENERAL"

And then you can just keep repeating that. Nuff said.
Ass!!!

You can also calmly state that his understanding of the rulebook is Outlandish.

Always be calm and disconcerned. You have right on your side.

 

[aloof one]

First let me say that I am so sorry that you had to go thru that.

We all know how white people feel about our hair when its in cornrows or locks. It must be in their genetic make up to fear anyone who wears these styles. Like wearing your hair like that will magically transform you into a ruthless white man killer or something. Me, I'd love to tell them all to go to helz in a handbasket. As long as you arent breaking any of the regulations for your uniforms tell them to kiss your ***.

Is that too hard core? I'm just not feeling clear people right now I suppose.

Thanks for the encouragement. I think I'm going to do a lot of what has been said here--- and as far as not liking white folks, if anything they brought it on themselves. The fact that I am around a bunch of guys who shave their heads completely as a joke and call it badass makes me despise just about most if not all of them. You know they don't want us to do things like afros or braids or not relax our hair because that would be admitting that we don't want to be like them. As soon as I stop french braiding my hair and quit perming it (and I am sure some of them have caught on that I am done perming my hair) I am all of a sudden a problem. If I wear a wave cap over my head while its drying, all I get are "gangsta" comments, no matter how much they know I don't care for them.

I swear, if its one thing that threatens those guys its a beautiful black woman rocking a natural style. Nothing is threatening about relaxed hair because it almost looks like theirs. They think we're making an effort to be one of them. They REFUSE to admit that black people have curly hair- they think all our hair is exactly the same. They say that our hair is unprofessional at work unless relaxed. Then they turn around and try to make rules to keep us from having natural hair (in school, work... the military) and discourage anything but relaxers in women.

 

[aloof one]

That style is beautiful. So much so that I'm about to print the image and make my parts just like yours.

Don't you love it when the rule book is on your side. Now all you have to say is "Go check regulation: 2204.1 GENERAL"

And then you can just keep repeating that. Nuff said.
Ass!!!

You can also calmly state that his understanding of the rulebook is Outlandish.

Always be calm and disconcerned. You have right on your side.

Oooh they would look good on you! I found them in a magazine somewhere and loved them! I wish I could do them myself though

 

[the_UnPrettiest_pretty]

Honey, tell that fool to go kick rocks and pound sand

 

[bravenewgirl87]

He probably likes you... no seriously. Usually when males find really retarted reasons to start drama with... its usually over a crush.


Don't worry about it. They look nice.

 

[EMJazzy]

He probably likes you... no seriously. Usually when males find really retarted reasons to start drama with... its usually over a crush.


Don't worry about it. They look nice.

That thought entered my mind also. You would normally place that behavior with *little boys* but unfortunately some men never grow up.

 

[Desert Skye]

Ok no. That man needs to sit down somplace and relax because there is nothing crazy going on with your hair. Please set that man straight and tell us how it went.

I have noticed that anything that is not natural to a white person's hair or body, is consider ugly. Many white's can't wear their hair in fro's, braids due to their hair hair texture, so they consider that type or style ugly. Many are not born with a butt or full lips, so at first they tried to say it ugly (but now they now wanna get it injectederplexed)

So the point is if they cant do it, it aint right.

 

[neonbright]

He probably likes you... no seriously. Usually when males find really retarted reasons to start drama with... its usually over a crush.


Don't worry about it. They look nice.

Girl I was thinking that also, but didn't want to say it. He just to have a taste of chocolate.

 

[aloof one]

Girl I was thinking that also, but didn't want to say it. He just to have a taste of chocolate.

Girl you know they all do--- I know from experience. White dudes always want what they can't have (us) so they take what they can get and settle for a white girl. It may sound harsh, but it's true. The guys I dated were all lucky they even got a chance with this.

This guy is used to using & mistreating girls and kicking them to the curb, so it probably startles him that I'm not the kind to let someone kick me around (anymore). Probably scares him as much as the hair.

 

[aloof one]

That thought entered my mind also. You would normally place that behavior with *little boys* but unfortunately some men never grow up.

OT: Girl where is your fotki? You say you 4a and like some GF?? Lol just wanted to say you got some pretty hair

 

[Mook's hair]

OK. I told you I was gonna do it. 4 hours later. here's mine. Thanks for the photo. Like I said before they look beautiful on you. They'll be prettier tomorrow after I put flexirods on the ends.

 

[Be Positive]

He's out of line and his remarks were totally inappropriate. I would challenge him by telling him to break out the uniform regs and show me in black n white.

We have a saying in the Navy. If isn't documented, it didn't happen or it ain't true.