Thank you for sharing your thoughts. Although Iāve never been anywhere in slippers and pajamas, respectability politics are trash for us. I told the podcaster that so far it is the Black establishments and churches that focus on ā lookismā. I get that whites have their corporate dress and discriminations too, but cāmonā¦ a dental office? As a doctor or medical professional, be prepared to see all kinds of people. Not just those who are fresh pressed. This goes for all races and backgrounds.
I think that internally as Black people we have the right to dictate our culture so if we say that bonnets and slippers belong in the house then it is what it is regardless what White people think. As a Black man, I donāt respect that clothing when worn outside of the house and it has nothing to do with white people. If someone wants to dress tacky thatās them but I donāt want them conflating tackiness with being Black.
I agree. As far as a medical practice not seeing patients due to slippers and bonnets though?? it is a step too far. We donāt know everyoneās situations. Like you said, it is the dentistās practice and so they can set whatever rules they want. Patients have freedoms to go elsewhere with their business.
Ok cool! I thought Iād share this because many would consider me composed, conservative etc. so Iām a little surprised that I take issue with the dental office, but then again being on this planet four decades , I learn to see a little deeper than whatās on the surface sometimes. I agree that bad hygiene and sloppy dress is a no-no but a medical establishment is there to help sick people, not care whatās on their feet or if their hair done or not.
I agree with you on that point... I mean there's no need for a suit and tie for the dentist office... but don't come to a public establishment looking like you just jumped out of bed...
I think we all can agree on that point lol. As one parent said though, her sonās issues and physical impairment makes him more comfortable in slippers and sometimes she will have a scarf on. She is looking for help, not being told to fully dress before arriving. To be fair, the medical practice my fam go to have a mix of white and Hispanics in slippers and jeans, scarves but no one truly cares and never turned awayā¦
The issue I have is when you allow low standards and a cluster of people with low standards patronize your business it will brand your business. Professionals wonāt feel comfortable going to a dental practice if everyone id in there with bonnets and slippers.
Don't like it, go to another dentist, simple. If there are exceptions that need to be made, call the practice first. They are going to tell you yes or no.
Yes, this whole sentence. As one of my Twitter mutuals would say... the community is getting "COOKED!!!"
All I see is a dentist who is trying to bring a much needed service (oral care is super important) to the people who need it the most. As far as the Black dentist's quality of work, that tweeter gave no examples, just some ol' "I heard" nonsense. I call cap.
It is possible that her tweet is fabricatedā¦ a few more from that area said the same thing. Thank you for your thoughts!
Issues like this is why many entrepreneurial/self-starting Black people leave the community and donāt come back. All the dentist said is to not come in her practice with pajamas on and she is being attacked by supposed Black people.
Some Black establishments do feel this way, and leave the communityā¦ good for them. I will always hope they have the best and wish them nothing but positivity.
But why compare them to a White dentist like thatās the standard we have to meet? Most White people donāt understand our cultural customs thatās why when I say āI need a haircutā theyāll say āwhat your hair is so short you donāt need oneā but another Black person will see my hair and see my line is off and etc.
Interestingā¦ some Blacks are saying that Black people shouldnāt take the sign as racist. Although other races wear scarves and bonnets too, black women tend to wear them more to cover up hair not ready or for protection, etc. I know some women who are having the day off work and would just drop their child off at school for those few moments and yes, go back to bed. If their behinds, chest, etc are exposed or if they havenāt bathed, then of course that is unacceptable. I think we can all agree on that.
Girl i wonāt even take my trash to the chute with my bonnet on. I was born in 84 and the only girls that wore bonnets outside growing up were the āghettoā ones. I was raised in New York but my parents are from the South and I had an extremely traditional upbringing.
It is what she says it is, it's her practice. Can't fault her.
I believe thatās an unfair characterization of the issue. I cannot speak for anyone here but I believe the consensus is that both parties are acting well within their rights. The patrons have the right to dress as they wish and the Dr. has the right to refuse them service.
š¬ššthis is one of those cases where covering up and being modest should have been a priority. This is a perfect example of needing to cover up and also a good example of how we are to be presentable in ā certain spaces ā She is UNDER dressed. Big difference from someone wearing a scarf in a cold dentist office š ā¦ heck at least with sweats or shirt on, the ā goodsā wouldnāt be visible.
She is absolutely correct, if you don't have self respect, you're not fit to live.
But who really must wear a bonnet and house slippers in public?!
