Susan L. Taylor Protests Hampton's Policy

[Bajan_Delta]

Hooray for her!!!!!! I am glad that someone of prestige and character took a stand against this incredibly belittling code. As a professional black woman I understand the need to appear well groomed and pulled together. I go to work rocking my very beautiful afro puff, twist or twist out. As I said before to equate braids or an afro to being unprofessional to me is simply self-hate. As blacks we do need to conform to main stream society to some extent. But must we give up our identity to have a career?

Unprofessional is a man strolling up in my office for an interview wearing a dangly earring, black jeans and white sneakers for an office position. Unprofessional is a woman trying to land a job as an admin. assistant while simulataneously trying to strangle me with her overwhelming perfume and sporting her bright pink lipstick and showing me way more of her thigh than I would care to see. Teach your students how to dress for success, Hampton. Teach them how to articulate themselves and they will be okay.

Originally posted by CrimsonTide4
http://www.eurweb.com/story/eur25880.cfm

Susan L. Taylor, the editorial director of Essence magazine, pulled out of a speaking engagement at Hampton University recently after learning of its policy on acceptable hairstyles for students in the five-year master's of business administration program.

"Braids, dreadlocks and other unusual hairstyles are not acceptable" is the university's policy as reported by Journalism's Richard Prince on April 12. Taylor, who has worn long braids for years, decided to protest the rule by withdrawing her participation at the school's 28th Annual Conference on the Black Family held last month.

"I recently withdrew my participation in the 28th Annual Conference on the Black Family at Hampton University,"

"I began receiving emails from numerous sources advising me of disturbing regulations disallowing locks and braided hairstyles for Hampton students," Taylor told Murray for his Monday BV Buzz column. "One such email included an Associated Press story headlined: 'University Bans Certain Hairstyles for Students.' As a businesswoman and public figure who has proudly worn my hair braided for more than 25 years, I was incredulous and felt insulted. My executive assistant, Debra Parker, contacted the university for clarification, and when she was advised that this was the school's policy, I easily made the decision to cancel my visit.

"The freedom to wear our hair in ways that celebrate our heritage is one of our 'rites of passage.' Students would benefit from learning how to care for and groom locks and braids and wear them in ways that are appropriate in a business setting," Taylor wrote on March 28.

Taylor said she even recommended that Dr. William R. Harvey, the university president, "reconsider this policy and invite informed image consultants to address students in your business program about how to make individual style work in the corporate environment. Perhaps the greatest challenge . . . students will face in the work world is remaining whole and true to themselves in environments that are often hostile to African-Americans. Staying connected to our community and culture is critical. Trying to transform themselves to fit into hardly welcoming environments has scarred countless numbers of Black people."

Ultimately, Dean Sid Credle of the Hampton School of Business is standing by the code, "and said a more clean-cut look can be an asset to almost any student seeking advancement in the corporate world," wrote Ieesha Mckinzie in a March 27th story on Black College Wire.

[DoggyStyle82]

Bajan Delta:

I think that you are mixing arguments here.

The goal of Hamptons business school is to groom, direct, and create students who will become professionals at America's leading companies. Students should not be enrolled in such a program if they are there to make a political, cultural, or social statement with their hair or style of dress. I don't believe that the school is forcing any woman to wear a perm or dress or "act white" in any way.

As a salesperson, none of my white male co-workers could wear a mustache. It is seen as unprofessional. I on the other hand wore one (most Black men have them so it does not appear "unprofessional" on us.

Hampton's Business School is interested in the success of its graduates, not whether they can make "statements" and successful. They recognize that we have enough against us, why volunteer more ammunition for people to be discriminatory. It is true that appearence makes up more than 50% of the first impession.

The business of the Business School is "business", social activists are for liberal arts.

I have asked this before, can someone please show me a picture of a Native West African tribesman (Bantu) with braided or dread-locked hair. I have seen East African Cultures such as the Masai, but they are a very effeminate culture (although their warrir prowess is legendary). I have never seen any depictions of male slaves of America, Brazil, or West Indian with braided hair or dreads. Where is it in our culture that men wear their hair like women (as a desirable thing)?

[Bajan_Delta]

How am I mixing arguments? I've not made any comments implying that they want anyone to "act white". If a woman's hair is not permed what styling options does she have besides braiding, afro, cornrows or dreads? Again my question is why is it that wearing one's hair in these styles considered unprofessional?? Since when is it that afros, cornrows or braids are considered a woman's style. You may not have seen depictions of west indian slaves with dreads but I have. But that is neither here or there because Jesus is depicited as a white man. For centuries many have believed that our strength and our essence comes from our hair. This is why Rasta's dread.

I'm not saying that students enrolled need to make a cultural statement, however for some (including myself) their hair is part of their identity and their spirituality. Would you conform if someone told you that were you not allowed to pray to the God you believe in? Somewhere someone needs to take a stand. If my blackness makes some uncomfortable then that would not be the company for me. As a professional, does my afro make me some how unprofessional? In addition it is against the law under Title VII act of 1964 to discriminate against anyone based on race, color, gender, national orgin, sex or religion. Any company with a policy banning these specified hair styles are open to litigation because this rule will largely impact Blacks.

Please see the following excerpt from Wikipedia:

"Dreadlocks, sometimes called simply dreads or locks, are matted ropes of hair which will form by themselves if the hair is allowed to grow naturally without the use of brushes, combs, razors or scissors for a long period of time.

See also an excerpt from the Ft. Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel

Dreadlocks are a universal phenomenon and through the ages, people of various cultures have worn dreadlocks. It can be said that what are known today as "dreadlocks" are one of the oldest and most universal hairstyles known.

Historical figures who wore dreadlocks include Samson, John the Baptist and King Tut. Like Samson, some Rastafarians consider hair as their strength and weakness will follow if cut. Others believe dreadlocks symbolize the mane from the biblical story of the Lion of Judah, which also is one of the titles bestowed upon all Ethiopian kings"

And also the King James Bible

"They shall not make baldness upon their head, neither shall they shave off the corner of their beard, nor make any cuttings in their flesh." -- Leviticus 21:5."

I have a number of sources that you can refer to about Black Hair, I will be more than happy to share them with you.

Originally posted by DoggyStyle82
Bajan Delta:

I think that you are mixing arguments here.

The goal of Hamptons business school is to groom, direct, and create students who will become professionals at America's leading companies. Students should not be enrolled in such a program if they are there to make a political, cultural, or social statement with their hair or style of dress. I don't believe that the school is forcing any woman to wear a perm or dress or "act white" in any way.

As a salesperson, none of my white male co-workers could wear a mustache. It is seen as unprofessional. I on the other hand wore one (most Black men have them so it does not appear "unprofessional" on us.

Hampton's Business School is interested in the success of its graduates, not whether they can make "statements" and successful. They recognize that we have enough against us, why volunteer more ammunition for people to be discriminatory. It is true that appearence makes up more than 50% of the first impession.

The business of the Business School is "business", social activists are for liberal arts.

I have asked this before, can someone please show me a picture of a Native West African tribesman (Bantu) with braided or dread-locked hair. I have seen East African Cultures such as the Masai, but they are a very effeminate culture (although their warrir prowess is legendary). I have never seen any depictions of male slaves of America, Brazil, or West Indian with braided hair or dreads. Where is it in our culture that men wear their hair like women (as a desirable thing)?

[starang21]

does howard's business school practice this? from what i hear, it's been in place for sometime.

[ZetaStorm]

There is so much to say on this topic. Hampton is my hometown so I know all about HIU. I practically grew up on the campus. My Mom is a grad school alumni. My mom tried to convince my sister and me to attend but neither of us chose to go there. Hampton is a great school in many aspects but I can't agree with them on all of their policies. There have been quite a few incidents there that the students have had grievances with some of their policies. Some years back Pres. Bush, Sr. was chosen as the speaker for commencement services. I mean you would think that the graduating students would have a say in choosing their graduation speaker but the students were reprimanded and forbidden to talk to the media or to protest.

I'm really lost on this latest controversy because Pres. Dr. Harvey is very much the business man. He even owns shares of Pepsi-Cola. He is the very reason why there is still a HIU in existence. The school almost closed but Harvey came on board and turned the school around and it's been full steam ahead every since. I've always admired him for this. I am really interested in hearing his stand on this.

You would think that educated Afr. Ams. would be more concerned with owning their own businesses and enterprises as opposed to trying to conform to working for corporate America. I'm getting the impression that these students are being taught that corporate America is the cure all. I hope that I'm wrong. I mean for Christ's sake look at how many hip hop artists grasp the concept of ownership. They play the part to get the money and when they get the money they take the ball and run with it. This is not a fad for them. They really understand the importance of ownership. I applaud Diddy, JayZ, Nelly, etc.

As a matter of fact HIU has an incubator. For those that aren't familiar with incubators it's a hub where business owners can utilize office space, equipment, receptionists, etc. for a nominal fee. There are also a lot of free services that they provide (info on grants, business loans, business plans, angel investors, etc.) It's sponsored by the Small Business Admin. So I'm really wondering why these business students or better yet Hampton's School of Business isn't leaning towards ownership. The resources are right there at their disposal. I know that this 'hair' concept certainly isn't coming from the SBA because they promote diversity.

I had a business professor from China who opened my eyes about corporate America. He knew corporate America in and out. He taught us how to play the game but most importantly he taught us how to win at the game. His precise words were, you will never beat them at their own game that's why you must place yourself on the same level - ownership.

You can play the game and not lose your identity in the process. I really hope that is what Hampton is teaching. I mean if you are the best of the best and you are being recruited by top corporations I would hope that part of your goal would be to own a business someday and not continue to play a part.

I worked FT the entire time while I was a FT undergrad student so this stood out on my resume. I did my first internship in my sophomore year and then another internship my junior year and that company hired me as a Director of PR, I also started my first business at the same time. I was already making decent money at my other job due to several promotions so this new job was really a blessing. I didn't take that money and lose my mind. I was already investing so I began to increase my investments. I did buy a new car and move into a nicer place but the rest went into starting my first business. My business, not my job paid off my new car. My senior year I was stress free. I was able to reward myself with a cruise. That info from my business professor is what put me on this path.

I now own 15 businesses. I can and do wear my hair anyway I choose. I conduct business all over the world with all types of people. I have the ability to employ blacks who wear locks, twists, braids, perms, etc. This is how we break up this 'conforming' nonsense. One of my businesses is a consulting business and it is my goal to reach more of our people so that they can begin to think about owning their own businesses.

[AXEAM]

Originally posted by CrimsonTide4
http://www.eurweb.com/story/eur25880.cfm

Susan L. Taylor, the editorial director of Essence magazine, pulled out of a speaking engagement at Hampton University recently after learning of its policy on acceptable hairstyles for students in the five-year master's of business administration program.

"Braids, dreadlocks and other unusual hairstyles are not acceptable" is the university's policy as reported by Journalism's Richard Prince on April 12. Taylor, who has worn long braids for years, decided to protest the rule by withdrawing her participation at the school's 28th Annual Conference on the Black Family held last month.

"I recently withdrew my participation in the 28th Annual Conference on the Black Family at Hampton University,"

"I began receiving emails from numerous sources advising me of disturbing regulations disallowing locks and braided hairstyles for Hampton students," Taylor told Murray for his Monday BV Buzz column. "One such email included an Associated Press story headlined: 'University Bans Certain Hairstyles for Students.' As a businesswoman and public figure who has proudly worn my hair braided for more than 25 years, I was incredulous and felt insulted. My executive assistant, Debra Parker, contacted the university for clarification, and when she was advised that this was the school's policy, I easily made the decision to cancel my visit.

"The freedom to wear our hair in ways that celebrate our heritage is one of our 'rites of passage.' Students would benefit from learning how to care for and groom locks and braids and wear them in ways that are appropriate in a business setting," Taylor wrote on March 28.

Taylor said she even recommended that Dr. William R. Harvey, the university president, "reconsider this policy and invite informed image consultants to address students in your business program about how to make individual style work in the corporate environment. Perhaps the greatest challenge . . . students will face in the work world is remaining whole and true to themselves in environments that are often hostile to African-Americans. Staying connected to our community and culture is critical. Trying to transform themselves to fit into hardly welcoming environments has scarred countless numbers of Black people."

Ultimately, Dean Sid Credle of the Hampton School of Business is standing by the code, "and said a more clean-cut look can be an asset to almost any student seeking advancement in the corporate world," wrote Ieesha Mckinzie in a March 27th story on Black College Wire.

I hope Hampton won't punkout and change it's policy over this.

[mccoyred]

I hope that Hampton will wake up and smell the coffee. I am glad that Susan made a stand. Specifically forbidding certain hairstyles goes way too far; grooming should be the key, not personal style which is very subjective.

Why the business school and not any other program? Engineers, lawyers and premed majors (doctors, nurses) also work in a professional environment, many times in a corporate environment! Discrimination, I tell you.

[Angel11E01]

I wonder if Hampton instituted this rule because of current popular male hairstyles. To be honest, I'm not sure that I would hire a man (in a corporate environment) wearing cornrows or long hair.

Do we have a generation of young men emulating stereotypical popular black styles/types of people? (thug is to pimp as cornrows is to permed hair)

I may be reaching here, but it's a thought.

Women, I think generally have greater flexibility in terms of hairstyles and appropriate clothes for work (white collar, at least) environments. Something that would be absolutely ok for a woman might get a raised brow or two if a man wore it.

Is it fair? No.


I'm undecided on this issue.

[Marie]

Hmmm, maybe this issue is so subjective that Hampton has simply decided to stay to the far right of the issue. It really is something that you have to be all or nothing about with respect to developing a policy. For instance, I do not think that braids are a professional look for men. If I had a son I wouldn't let him wear braids, and I would hesitate to hire a man w/braids (well-maintained or not). However, I see nothing wrong with dreads. Furthermore, I think that a woman with an afro 2-3 inches long is fine, but something like 5 or more inches, again is fashionable but not professional. How does a school articulate something like this? It certainly opens up the door to a lot more debate and discussion, which they may not be interested in doing. Perhaps while they may recognize that there are many successful African Americans in the business world who wear a variety of natural styles, the time spent reviewing and educating students on where the boundary lies btwn acceptable and unacceptable is counter productive. It seems that their decision is not to deny anyone's culture or spirituality, but rather to instill in their students what they already know is acceptable. From there, the students can feel free to express themselves as they please, but starting from a solid basis of appropriateness.

Finally, what is classified as 'professional appearance' is actually quite rigid for men and women of all races. For instance, long hair (including facial hair) on any man is usually not considered professional. Women are not suppose to wear their hair below shoulder length, and earrings should be no larger than a coin (I believe). Short sleeve shirts or unbuttoned suit jackets are considered unprofessional for men as well as pants or heels over 2 inches on women. Of course colors that deviate too far from the standard gray, black and blue are also traditionally unprofessional. Now of course we see successful people who don't fit this mold every single day. However from an educational perspective we were taught what was 'technically' professional dress, and then encouraged to use our good judgement depending on the industry, location, and office environment. Perhaps this is what Hampton is trying to do with their students.

[DoggyStyle82]

Originally posted by Bajan_Delta
How am I mixing arguments? I've not made any comments implying that they want anyone to "act white". If a woman's hair is not permed what styling options does she have besides braiding, afro, cornrows or dreads? Again my question is why is it that wearing one's hair in these styles considered unprofessional?? Since when is it that afros, cornrows or braids are considered a woman's style. You may not have seen depictions of west indian slaves with dreads but I have. But that is neither here or there because Jesus is depicited as a white man. For centuries many have believed that our strength and our essence comes from our hair. This is why Rasta's dread.

I'm not saying that students enrolled need to make a cultural statement, however for some (including myself) their hair is part of their identity and their spirituality. Would you conform if someone told you that were you not allowed to pray to the God you believe in? Somewhere someone needs to take a stand. If my blackness makes some uncomfortable then that would not be the company for me. As a professional, does my afro make me some how unprofessional? In addition it is against the law under Title VII act of 1964 to discriminate against anyone based on race, color, gender, national orgin, sex or religion. Any company with a policy banning these specified hair styles are open to litigation because this rule will largely impact Blacks.

Please see the following excerpt from Wikipedia:

"Dreadlocks, sometimes called simply dreads or locks, are matted ropes of hair which will form by themselves if the hair is allowed to grow naturally without the use of brushes, combs, razors or scissors for a long period of time.

See also an excerpt from the Ft. Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel

Dreadlocks are a universal phenomenon and through the ages, people of various cultures have worn dreadlocks. It can be said that what are known today as "dreadlocks" are one of the oldest and most universal hairstyles known.

Historical figures who wore dreadlocks include Samson, John the Baptist and King Tut. Like Samson, some Rastafarians consider hair as their strength and weakness will follow if cut. Others believe dreadlocks symbolize the mane from the biblical story of the Lion of Judah, which also is one of the titles bestowed upon all Ethiopian kings"

And also the King James Bible

"They shall not make baldness upon their head, neither shall they shave off the corner of their beard, nor make any cuttings in their flesh." -- Leviticus 21:5."

I have a number of sources that you can refer to about Black Hair, I will be more than happy to share them with you.

You've made my very point. To you, your hair is a socio-political statement. What the school is trying to inculcate in their students is to BE ABOUT BUSINESS. That is their concentration and focus. To train professionals. Corporate America doesn't care where you think you get your strength from. If I believed that my strength emanated from my branded Omega arms, would I be justified in exposing them on every sales call? Would a proud Son of the Confederacy be justified by wearing a confederate flag lapel pin on his suits?.

There are accepted norms for every profession. Flamboyant defense attorneys can wear ponytails and cowboy suits. District attorneys don't. One of my white collegeaues wanted to wear a Dale Earnhart mustache in honor of his hero. Boss said no, shave it.

My response was directed at men wearing braids and dreadlocks. Its fine for a woman to wear her hair in a natural state. I never said that women should be forced to wear perms Braided hair is a woman's hairstyle and a man should not be wearing such to work .

Biblically, I know of no passages that mention dreads. Samson was a Nazerite, a priestly order that was forbidden to cut their hair. If you assume that he was African, that could connote dreads, but if he were a typical Semite, then it would just be long hair.

John the Bapist by the Bibles own description, was an unkempt wild man. If his hair was anything like dreads, it would be because it was never combed and matted from living like a vagrant.

Using Wikpedias description of "dreadlocks", is that what a company wants representing to the face of the public?

Do you know any Ethiopians or Somalis that wear dreads. None of the thousands that I see runnig the parking lots in Atlanta seem to wear them. But being that we are derived from West Africans, I still don't see the cultral connection to "dreads". Senegalese, Gambian, Akan, Yoruba, Ibo, Angolan. Never seen a depiction of a man of these cultures with braids or dreads.

[Bajan_Delta]

I seems you feel strongly about your conformist ideology. Feel free to conform to the societial norms that have been dictated by Anglo-America and I will continue to make my "socio-political statement". I'm glad that I'm the one responsible for recruiting and selection for a fortune 500 company, because based on some of your sentiments I'd be out of luck. Fortunately for people I interview (while rocking my well-coifed afro) I did not attend an institution that forced these types of policies and ideas onto me.

Clearly your training has worked for you and I am happy to see a brother prospering. I feel blessed that I too have prospered in Corporate America with my non-conformist attitude.

Originally posted by DoggyStyle82
You've made my very point. To you, your hair is a socio-political statement. What the school is trying to inculcate in their students is to BE ABOUT BUSINESS. That is their concentration and focus. To train professionals. Corporate America doesn't care where you think you get your strength from. If I believed that my strength emanated from my branded Omega arms, would I be justified in exposing them on every sales call? Would a proud Son of the Confederacy be justified by wearing a confederate flag lapel pin on his suits?.

There are accepted norms for every profession. Flamboyant defense attorneys can wear ponytails and cowboy suits. District attorneys don't. One of my white collegeaues wanted to wear a Dale Earnhart mustache in honor of his hero. Boss said no, shave it.

My response was directed at men wearing braids and dreadlocks. Its fine for a woman to wear her hair in a natural state. I never said that women should be forced to wear perms Braided hair is a woman's hairstyle and a man should not be wearing such to work .

Biblically, I know of no passages that mention dreads. Samson was a Nazerite, a priestly order that was forbidden to cut their hair. If you assume that he was African, that could connote dreads, but if he were a typical Semite, then it would just be long hair.

John the Bapist by the Bibles own description, was an unkempt wild man. If his hair was anything like dreads, it would be because it was never combed and matted from living like a vagrant.

Using Wikpedias description of "dreadlocks", is that what a company wants representing to the face of the public?

Do you know any Ethiopians or Somalis that wear dreads. None of the thousands that I see runnig the parking lots in Atlanta seem to wear them. But being that we are derived from West Africans, I still don't see the cultral connection to "dreads". Senegalese, Gambian, Akan, Yoruba, Ibo, Angolan. Never seen a depiction of a man of these cultures with braids or dreads.

[ladygreek]

For me, Hampton's b-school has a more serious issue to worry about like getting accredited. Howard's b school (and other HBCUs) are and FAMU's is well on its way--having gotten initial approval.

So tell me some placement statistics. Has it been proven that placements don't happen because of hair style? My daughter's b-school (University of Texas) disproved that. Her whole cohert class ( of Blacks) was placed in well-paying corporate jobs and many of them wore locs, braids, twists and cornrows.

Now I will admit that the women mostly wore these hair styles, but only a few of the men did. So is it more a matter of gender acceptance? Another issue to ponder of discrimination against our Black men?

Doggy, good point about the moustache thing.

<----- a happily loced sista running an organization of White folx.

[DoggyStyle82]

Originally posted by Bajan_Delta
I seems you feel strongly about your conformist ideology. Feel free to conform to the societial norms that have been dictated by Anglo-America and I will continue to make my "socio-political statement". I'm glad that I'm the one responsible for recruiting and selection for a fortune 500 company, because based on some of your sentiments I'd be out of luck. Fortunately for people I interview (while rocking my well-coifed afro) I did not attend an institution that forced these types of policies and ideas onto me.

Clearly your training has worked for you and I am happy to see a brother prospering. I feel blessed that I too have prospered in Corporate America with my non-conformist attitude.

Why the sensitivity? I never said a sister couldn't rock a 'fro. Because I agree with a set of standards & principles Im a conformist. The danger in politicizing any argument is that it narrows one's prism of viewpoint. You hacve ascribed things to me that would not be present if it weren't for your mindset already poised to take the debate negative.

White America doesn't dictate my hairstyle nor my style of dress or speech. Its conservative by nature because I feel no need to attract attention to myself through those means. And because I can articulate an argument, there is no need for my Afrocentristic politics to be broadcast via my hairstyle or choice of clothing.

The root argument is and should be, "How does the School of Business at a private school such as Hampton, best prepare its students for life in Corp[orate America"? It would seem to me that one should use the best practices of the companies in which you hope these students will be employed by.

Because someone disagrees with or challenges your theses doesn't mean you have to take it personal. Your hairstyle says less about your character than how you respond when your principles are challenged

[ladygreek]

^^^^Be nice DG. My soror doesn't know you, yet.

But to me a b-school best prepares its students for corporate America thrrugh its course offerings and internship connections. FAMU has this on lock, as does the real HU and others. Hampton is still trying to get there. The media focus on this hairstyle rule, imo, will only cause those corporations to think about the superficiality of the program.

What got me, and maybe I read this wrong, is that it would be grandfathered to existing students who either have to change their hair or leave the school. To me that really isn't very realistic or fair to those students. It's changing the rules midstream.

And again are there stats to show those African American hairstyles affect placements? I'm not even talking cultural aspects, because I agree with you on that. It just seemed to me that Hampton is reaching to get it's program credibility rather than going through the strenuous, multi-year task of accreditation.

But, of course, I could be wrong. Now I will say this, a protest from Susan taylor mean nothing to me, but that is a whole 'nother issue.

[Bajan_Delta]

My dear, I am in no way being sensitive or have taken anything personal. Quite frankly I don't know you and you don't know me so there would be no reason for me to take anything you say personal. All I am saying is that you have chosen your way, and I have chosen mine. I won't change your mind and you won't change mine.

Originally posted by DoggyStyle82
Why the sensitivity? I never said a sister couldn't rock a 'fro. Because I agree with a set of standards & principles Im a conformist. The danger in politicizing any argument is that it narrows one's prism of viewpoint. You hacve ascribed things to me that would not be present if it weren't for your mindset already poised to take the debate negative.

White America doesn't dictate my hairstyle nor my style of dress or speech. Its conservative by nature because I feel no need to attract attention to myself through those means. And because I can articulate an argument, there is no need for my Afrocentristic politics to be broadcast via my hairstyle or choice of clothing.

The root argument is and should be, "How does the School of Business at a private school such as Hampton, best prepare its students for life in Corp[orate America"? It would seem to me that one should use the best practices of the companies in which you hope these students will be employed by.

Because someone disagrees with or challenges your theses doesn't mean you have to take it personal. Your hairstyle says less about your character than how you respond when your principles are challenged