I'm sure you have all heard by now BUT in case you haven't... let me fill you in! The beautiful Rhonda Lee's, no relation, employment was terminated due to her respectful, and what I would consider appropriate, response to pure stupidity.
It has been reported that on October 1, 2012, a viewer identified as Emmitt Vascocu wrote, “the black lady that does the news is a very nice lady.the only thing is she needs to wear a wig or grow some more hair. im not sure if she is a cancer patient. but still its not something myself that i think looks good on tv. what about letting someone a male have waist long hair do the news.what about that (cq).”
Rhonda replied stating, "Hello Emmitt–I am the ‘black lady’ to which you are referring. I’m sorry you don’t like my ethnic hair. And no I don’t have cancer. I’m a non-smoking, 5’3, 121 lbs, 25 mile a week running, 37.5 year old woman, and I’m in perfectly healthy physical condition.
I am very proud of my African-American ancestry which includes my hair. For your edification: traditionally our hair doesn’t grow downward. It grows upward. Many Black women use strong straightening agents in order to achieve a more European grade of hair and that is their choice. However in my case I don’t find it necessary. I’m very proud of who I am and the standard of beauty I display. Women come in all shapes, sizes, nationalities, and levels of beauty. Showing little girls that being comfortable in the skin and HAIR God gave me is my contribution to society. Little girls (and boys for that matter) need to see that what you look like isn’t a reason to not achieve their goals."
"Conforming to one standard isn’t what being American is about and I hope you can embrace that."
"Thank you for your comment and have a great weekend and thank for watching."
Now me, I'm over here applauding her and fluffing my fro. Why?!? Because I can't say that after multiple stabs and jabs at my hair and race that I would give such a response. Her skin, that beautiful skin, is THICK!! She stood up for herself, spoke up for other blacks, and likely gave some one's self-esteem a boost (and a bit of encouragement).
There was no profanity, disrespect, or inappropriateness whatsoever; however, due to some unwritten rule, she was terminated for her response...
Companies nowadays prove their lack of regard for employees, and I've witnessed it firsthand, in real-life. Unfortunately we are expendable and while they want us to represent them and make them money, they allow such comments to remain on their sites. They could block people and erase comments, especially since there's no control over what people can actually post on Facebook; however, they don't and in certain instances, as evident here, won't. I don't agree that while standing up for herself and remaining respectful that she should have lost her job; however, what do I know? I'm just a natural who too works in Corporate America and has to worry about stereotypes and acceptance. If we don't stand up for ourselves who will?!?
What are your thoughts Kinkies?
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~Keep it Kinky~
This is not right at all she said nothing wrong and whoever fired her because of it needs to be fired.God has something better in store for her
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