A few days ago, I wrote a post about an incredible deal Walmart had going on for Six Flags this summer. In return for that post, I received four tickets to Six Flags. Exciting right? Especially since we are in need of a fun family getaway.

Well…

It has come to my attention that there has been a case of Six Flags theme parks refusing to hire individuals who wear their hair in dread(loc)ks. Six Flags does not permit this “extreme” hairstyle as it detracts from Six Flags’ theme.

Here we go…

“Six Flags enforces a conservative grooming policy across all parks. The policy does not permit certain hairstyles such as variations in hair colors, dreadlocks, partially shaved heads, tails, and hairstyles that impair vision. Braided hair is allowed but must be in neat, even rows and without beads or other ornaments.”

It doesn’t matter long or short, thin, thick, clean, or dirty; just dread(loc)ks in general. Meh.

Since braids (long or short) are allowed, it isn’t a matter of the dreadlocks (long ones) being hazardous to the rides or food. If that was really the issue, why not ask that those with long hair in general to neatly pin it up and those working in food put on a hair net?

It just makes no sense.

Personally, I feel that men and women with dread(loc)ks look more mature than those with braids in their hair. And the people who I know that wear their hair this way carry themselves in a respectable manner and prove to be as intelligent and insightful as people who choose to wear their hair in other styles.

In this Essence article, it states that a lady with locs who worked at Six Flags previously with no problems, was asked to come back to work for another season…but only if she changed her appearance. So obviously, she rocked her position, but her hair was a little too much for the Six Flags image.

The types of jobs available at Six Flags are great part time jobs for teens and young adults. They are not white collar jobs where grooming standards would be a little more strict. Six Flags is a theme park; a place that promotes fun. A diverse group of people seek entertainment at Six Flags from all walks, races, and hair styles. Having employees that represent their customers totally makes sense. It’s good for business, but maybe Six Flags missed that memo.

My hair is loc’d. It is the best decision I’ve made next to leaping into wearing my hair natural and chemical free. I take pride in my hair. I wash it regularly = as needed for my hair type and physical environment. Natural hair has been growing out of my scalp for four years and boy was it a journey transitioning from stringy chemical treated hair to my natural untreated curls. And then there was the two year journey of watching my hair evolve from two strand twists to beautiful locs. What grows on top of my head shows that I did not give up. I am just as approachable as someone without locs. I don’t hug trees, get high, or walk around like a little lady militant. #endemotionalrant

Locs are just multiple strands of hair bound together to make thicker strands. These thicker strands can be styled in just about any style imaginable. What is so extreme about that?

Because of this debacle, I cannot in good conscience keep the Six Flags promo post up or visit Six Flags theme parks until they make reasonable revisions to their grooming policy. I am disappointed that a company that I stood by has been caught slipping over something as silly as a hairstyle. And yes, to many individuals, it is more than a hairstyle, it is a way of self expression and empowerment just as any hair style may be. But what’s wrong with that? And since there is a much stronger story behind this specific hairstyle, it just flusters the hell out of folks.

There’s so much more going on in the world today that we need to be worrying about rather than how we, as human beings, wear our hair.

I am sorry to those who may have gotten offended by the previous Six Flags post. I am sorry to those who commented in excitement because that deal was pretty darn good. Know that if you choose to take advantage of the savings, I absolutely WILL NOT hold it against you.

Now, to plan a new family adventure for us elsewhere. And here’s to hoping their grooming policy won’t bite me in the ass too.

#thatisall

#carryon