Disney & Discrimination against dreadlocks?

[sparkofcreation 0]

Disney's entire philosophy of its employees is that they should be interchangeable, unobtrusive, and approachable. They have very strict rules about appearance for those reasons--for example, dreadlocks probably go against both interchangeable [make you different from other employees] and unobtrusive [make you not blend into the background]. Jewelry can be obtrusive, as can hair that is dyed purple. Facial hair on men is frightening to many small children and also can serve to make the male employees stand out from the female employees. Mirrored sunglasses aren't allowed because they make you less approachable. And so on.

I worked there for two summers (and in response to the comments just above me, I had coworkers of all economic, social, ethnic, educational, and geographic origins), and yes we pushed the envelope--getting tattoos that were *just* hidden by our costumes (uniforms), hiding jewelry under our costumes or hair, wearing stackable rings just because we weren't allowed, having neon blue polish on our toenails, etc. But when it comes down to it, Disney's philosophy works. You don't have to like it and you don't have to follow it; there are plenty of other places to work. But if you want to work for Disney, you have to toe the line.

Edited May 10, 2007 by sparkofcreation

[Oath 0]

Disney's entire philosophy of its employees is that they should be interchangeable, unobtrusive, and approachable. They have very strict rules about appearance for those reasons--for example, dreadlocks probably go against both interchangeable [make you different from other employees] and unobtrusive [make you not blend into the background]. Jewelry can be obtrusive, as can hair that is dyed purple. Facial hair on men is frightening to many small children and also can serve to make the male employees stand out from the female employees. Mirrored sunglasses aren't allowed because they make you less approachable. And so on.

I worked there for two summers (and in response to the comments just above me, I had coworkers of all economic, social, ethnic, educational, and geographic origins), and yes we pushed the envelope--getting tattoos that were *just* hidden by our costumes (uniforms), hiding jewelry under our costumes or hair, wearing stackable rings just because we weren't allowed, having neon blue polish on our toenails, etc. But when it comes down to it, Disney's philosophy works. You don't have to like it and you don't have to follow it; there are plenty of other places to work. But if you want to work for Disney, you have to toe the line.

Exactly.

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

Oh wow, this was straight up discrimination! I don't know what you look like, but I see your little avatar, and if that is you, then I think you were discriminated because you were white and with dreads. They sent you through most of the interview process because they were sure what to do with you. I don't think they would have said that if you were Black with dreads. Did you see this policy in writing? Dreads are a "natural" process and state for Black hair, so they couldnt tell you to not wear your hair natural....racial discrimination would come into place here. The fact that you are white and have to manipulate your hair to dread (more so than a Black person), they probably felt the need to let you know they basically just dont like dreads. Now if you are not White, then I could be completely wrong...lol! But I definitely think that was discrimination.

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA..... That is one of the most ridiculous arguments I've read in a long time. If I was to appear at a job interview in my natural state, I'd most certainly not be considered for the job. That ain't discrimination, though. It's commonly referred to as professional appearance - or lack thereof.

[Oath 0]

Oh wow, this was straight up discrimination! I don't know what you look like, but I see your little avatar, and if that is you, then I think you were discriminated because you were white and with dreads. They sent you through most of the interview process because they were sure what to do with you. I don't think they would have said that if you were Black with dreads. Did you see this policy in writing? Dreads are a "natural" process and state for Black hair, so they couldnt tell you to not wear your hair natural....racial discrimination would come into place here. The fact that you are white and have to manipulate your hair to dread (more so than a Black person), they probably felt the need to let you know they basically just dont like dreads. Now if you are not White, then I could be completely wrong...lol! But I definitely think that was discrimination.

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA..... That is one of the most ridiculous arguments I've read in a long time. If I was to appear at a job interview in my natural state, I'd most certainly not be considered for the job. That ain't discrimination, though. It's commonly referred to as professional appearance - or lack thereof.

Once again, exactly.

[bora bora 1]

hahahaha

Some of you guys are really funny! I liked the dread "song" too.

Disney wasn't doing any of this because of racism - I know that.

I actually talked to a bunch of my co-workers today (living in central Florida most people have worked or have family members who worked there). They told me a bunch of other rules Disney has - the dress code can be worse.

They just have 'rules' that employees have to follow in order to work there. I was a bit pi$$ed when the recruiter told me he couldn't hire me because of my dreads because it was a shock, and no one wants to hear that.

But I got over it now - it's kind of funny.

[Raspect 0]

If you belive its not about the dreadlocks and all about where you come from you need a boot in the #######.

I am so ###### sick of people pulling the race card every time something doesnt go their way, it may well be its not about your race, but the way you present yourself. But that not easy for some people to accept.

hahaha

this is cute

a boot in the #######

from this super white person

hahahaah

i love when white people tell others of color they are crazy for talking about racism and that it does not exist

ahahah

i love it

[russ 1]

Seems fine to me. My sister is a banker - her dress code is very strict (no open-toed shoes, she has a whole book describing what she should wear.)

I need to dress professionally for my customers (suit and tie, haircut ...) If I didn't like this, I would find a new line of work.

The US is still somewhat casual when it comes to workplace attire. Some countries are far more strict.

Does this seem wrong to anyone else?

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

My current employer actually expects me to work when I show up. I'd rather just browse the web for hours. They're interfering with my personal style and I consider that discriminatory too.

OP, let's do a class-action against all American employers!

[bora bora 1]

Relax Gupt.

This isn't about my work ethic - I was just surprised when the recruiter told me he couldn't hire me because of my dreads.

[eric&gen 0]

Not fair im pretty sure thye hire gays because they are aways happy.

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

My current employer actually expects me to work when I show up.

That's a bummer.

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

If you belive its not about the dreadlocks and all about where you come from you need a boot in the #######.

I am so ###### sick of people pulling the race card every time something doesnt go their way, it may well be its not about your race, but the way you present yourself. But that not easy for some people to accept.

hahaha

this is cute

a boot in the #######

from this super white person

hahahaah

i love when white people tell others of color they are crazy for talking about racism and that it does not exist

ahahah

i love it

Not only do have to learn how to quote another poster on this board (I fixed this one for you), you also have a lot of catching up to when it comes to grasping the actual point that another poster made.

[Otto 83]

Relax Gupt.

This isn't about my work ethic - I was just surprised when the recruiter told me he couldn't hire me because of my dreads.

Why would you be surprised?

[bora bora 1]

be surprised about what?

that was just in response to what someone else said.

i'm over the disney interview...i'm surprised this thread is not

Edited May 11, 2007 by Bora Bora

[Otto 83]

be surprised about what?

that was just in response to what someone else said.

i'm over the disney interview...i'm surprised this thread is not

Oh ok...guess it was too confusing a question....