Tesi Johnson, Gleaner Writer
Attorney-at-law Alando Terrelonge epitomses corporate elegance and on most days, looks like he stepped off the pages of the latest GQ Magazine, but he has been wearing locks for eight years. He can now look back and laugh at the days when, until he was introduced as a law student, bigots thought he was just another "dutty Rasta bway." - WINSTON SILL/FREELANCE PHOTOGRAPHER
"Tell me how come, here in Jamaica, so many people still a fight Rasta?"
- Morgan Heritage
AFTER BEING banished to the fringes of society for over 30 years, Rastafari has yet to become wholly accepted by the wider Jamaican public. Though the doctrine and practices of the faith are almost synonymous with Jamaican culture, the bigotry that they still face here is undeniable.
Corporate Jamaica in particular, seems determined to keep Rastafari out of their perfect circle, as they discriminate against Rastas who seek employment in favour of their 'bald head' counterparts. The icon of the 'natty dreadlocks' is a far cry from the clean-cut image of the corporate world, and it seems as if corporate Jamaica is doing what it can to preserve that image by marginalising Rastas. And even if men sport locks as a hairstyle rather than a symbol of their religion, they still face discrimination in the corporate corridors.
Flair spoke with a representative of a major financial entity in Kingston and she laughed with scorn at the mention of the Rastafari's place in the corporate world. She had no qualms about saying: "Rasta cannot work in any bank." It is sad, but true.
Though many companies do not have a formal "no locks" policy, it is evident that a rule need not be written in stone for it to be in effect. Nonetheless there are those who, despite the seemingly insurmountable odds, have been able to carve their niche in the workplace and prove once and for all that hairstyle or doctrine, do not predetermine ability to perform well in the work world. Three of those flourishing Rastas shared their story with the Flair.
Matthew Morrison - Cyber Centre Manager
"I have been a Rastafarian all my life, but I've only been growing my locks for the past four years. At my current place of employment my co-workers don't have a problem, my previous boss's husband is Rastafarian, so she didn't have a problem, and my current boss hasn't made any comments. However some customers do harass me. They are often surprised about how knowledgeable I am about computers. They often say, "Mi neva know Rasta know how fi use computer. These are the same people who I have to teach how to use it.
I was once told by a representative from a major banking entity in Jamaica, 'if you have any aspirations of working here or in any such company, you must cut your locks'. So I know personally that no bank will ever hire me because I will never cut mine. Nonetheless, I am confused as to how my hair will interfere with my performance. There are those who choose to cut their locks to attain or retain a job, but I don't bash them because times are hard and many people are struggling so sometimes you have to do what is necessary. You don't have to wear locks to be a Rasta; as the song by Morgan Heritage says "it's a divine conception of the heart."
Morrison told Flair that it was unfortunate that there were many misconceptions about Rastafarians that may have contributed to the discrimination against us in the workplace. One common belief is that all Rastas or persons who sport locks do is smoke weed, make brooms and sell carpet, and don't know much of anything else. In light of this, they have to make an extra effort to show what they can do.
"Certain places for sure won't be hiring any Rastas, but we have representatives in many well respected disciplines like law, and medicine."
Marcus Goffe - Attorney-at-Law
"I have never experienced any open discrimination, just a few insignificant comments here and there. Both my parents are lawyers, so the fact that I am a child of lawyers may have contributed to the ready acceptance of me in the law profession. Additionally, after having completed law school, I took up my internship in the courts and became known to members of the profession.
However, I must acknowledge that there are those who face adversity in corporate Jamaica because of their locks. I find it unfortunate that our own society has not evolved to a state where locks are as acceptable as any other hairstyle. To avoid this bias, some may choose to cut their locks and though I wouldn't do the same, the reality is that jobs aren't easy to get, so it's a struggle and self-sacrifice to do so in order to meet your responsibilities. Furthermore, I don't think that wearing locks is fundamental to the Rastafarian doctrine."
Goffe further stated that Rastafarians have traditionally been rebellious, and people fear that. Otherwise, people hold misconceptions that propel the stigma. Many believe that locks are dirty and unkempt, and that Rastas are lazy and don't like to work. To try and overcome these obstacles he encourages Rastafarians to attain their educational qualifications, so that they are marketable in the corporate world and thus have a better chance at overcoming people's prejudices. "In essence, you may have to work harder to prove yourself. Also keep in mind, the insightful words spoken by Paul Elliot: "Self-reliance is the highest science."
