Hair Today, ‘Gone’ Tomorrow
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When I took a buyout from Gannett in July 2009 – after nearly a quarter-century as a fulltime journalist with the company – I also decided to cut off my shoulder-length dreadlocks that took eight years to grow. In the midst of so much transition (returning to D.C.; no job; potential career change; maybe grad school), going with a different look just felt right. Shaving my head signified that everything was brand-new at that point, personal appearance included.
But I’d be lying if I said mainstream attitudes toward dreadlocks didn’t play a role in my decision. No longer an established professional at the top of my field, I could envision prospective employers holding my hair against me – consciously or not. As much as I loved my dreads, I wasn’t willing to risk them being a hindrance to new opportunities.
Such decisions are much less stressful for brothers compared to sisters. I didn’t last long as a baldie (WAY too much maintenance for someone used to once-a-month appointments), but my low-cut natural never draws second looks, unlike the effect when a sister wears one.
That’s why I give major props to Rochelle Ritchie, of West Palm Beach’s NBC affiliate, WPTV. Ritchie decided to go natural after six years of damaging perms and weaves, a decision that doesn’t come lightly in the world of broadcast journalism, where the standard for women’s hair remains long, straight and silky. But the management at Ritchie’s station was supportive, saw news value in the issue, and aired a special report.
Keonte Coleman, an assistant journalism professor at Bennett College in Greensboro, NC, also saw value in the story and how it might apply to his students. Coleman used his “Diversity and TV News” blog to write about the transformation and included additional comments from Ritchie. He also linked to Chris Rock’s outstanding documentary, “Good Hair,” and a story about a TV reporter who was suspended for wearing cornrows on the air.
If most sisters decide to continue wearing perms and weaves, I’m not mad at them. Those styles can be beautiful, too, and sisters should have freedom of choice. But it would be great if they could wear natural hairstyles without fear of repercussions. Here’s hoping for more stories like Ritchie and the management at WPTV.
DS
