Dad Refuses To Let His Daughter Get Dreadlocks Because It Wouldn't Allow Her To Be Successful Due To Stereotypes

"He has always tried to be socially aware of black issues, and is great about it. However, I think he’s overreacting to this one."

Devon

Published in Interesting
May 8, 2023

Dad Refuses To Let His Daughter Get Dreadlocks Because It Wouldn't Allow Her To Be Successful Due To Stereotypes

It's common for people to avoid certain hairstyles to prevent being viewed as unprofessional by people and companies. Certain hairstyles have been historically associated with specific ethnic or racial groups, and the individuals who wear them are discriminated against due to bias and systemic racism.

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A person's hairstyle can restrict their employment opportunities, especially for people of color, because of the discriminatory attitude towards their natural hairstyles. These stereotypes are challenged daily; employers are learning that inclusive hiring is the best way to go and that discriminating against people based on their natural hair doesn't make sense.

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A Redditor who goes by the username u/setmefreept23 made a post on the r/AmItheA**hole subReddit where she explained how her husband is against their daughter getting dreadlocks. The user's husband thinks that his daughter won't have a successful life if she decides to go with that hairstyle because of stereotypes.

OP is unsure whether she should allow her daughter to get locs, and her husband's reaction made her doubt her stance, so she decided to consult with the Reddit community. Scroll down to check out the full Reddit post, and scroll a little further to read the comments from the original post.

Devon

Here's the original post by Reddit user u/setmefreept23:

OP's daughter has always found dreadlocks beautiful and did some research on them.

OP instantly approved the idea, and her daughter knew the risks.

OP's husband thinks their daughter is too young to make that decision.

OP doesn't agree with his opinion and doesn't see dreadlocks as a disadvantage.

OP's husband was firm on his decision, which made OP doubt her stance.

OP eventually modified the post to include an "Edit" with more context.

OP feels she might be the a-hole in this situation for the following reason:

Here's how the Reddit community reacted to u/setmefreept23's post:

"It WILL grow back, even if it might take a while."

This is the best period for OP's daughter to experiment with her hair.

"Your husband has no good reason to try to interfere..."

13-year-olds never have to worry about looking professional.

"He should be supportive of your daughter's wish to embrace styles that were designed for her hair texture."

OP's husband is exaggerating his statements.

OP's husband is trying to help but achieving the exact opposite.

OP's husband is afraid his daughter might experience police brutality.

People shouldn't change their behavior to please racists.

It's just hair; it's not a big deal.

You can't blame the dad for trying to protect his daughter.

"Your husband's response is highly problematic."

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