The Empowering Way 1 Nurse Responded to Hateful Comments About Her Rainbow Hair
Tinting your hair in a plethora of rainbow hues is much more than a fad for some. The use of multicolored dyes has become an awesome form of self-expression for many individuals. But while there is an abundance of ladies with colorful coifs in the beauty world, we are often sadly reminded that not all unique style choices are embraced by society.
Mary Walls Penney, a nurse who specializes in Alzheimer's and dementia treatment, experienced this firsthand. She took to her Facebook to share a selfie of her multicolored strands and coordinating pink stethoscope (so cute!), along with a story of being shamed by a cashier about her hair choice.
She shared that while picking up a few things at a store, she was asked about her profession by the cashier. When Mary revealed to the woman that she was a nurse, she responded with "I'm surprised they let you work there like that. What do your patients think about your hair?"
Mary proceeded to explain, but the cashier then asked an elderly lady in line her opinion on Mary's mane, while continuing to express her shock in Mary being in the medical field with such a style. The cashier added that similar looks were prohibited when she worked in the fast-food industry.
Mary addressed the unfortunate situation with the most graceful response:
"Well, here's my thoughts. I can't recall a time that my hair color has prevented me from providing life saving treatment to one of my patients. My tattoos have never kept them from holding my hand and as they lay frightened and crying because Alzheimer's has stolen their mind. My multiple ear piercings have never interfered with me hearing them reminisce about their better days or listening to them as they express their last wishes. My tongue piercing has never kept me from speaking words of encouragement to a newly diagnosed patient or from comforting a family that is grieving.
So, please explain to me how my appearance, while being paired with my cheerful disposition, servant's heart, and smiling face, has made me unfit to provide nursing care and unable to do my job!"
So many women are labeled with stereotypes daily based on their physical appearance. We've heard enraging stories about women with tattoos, piercings, and natural hair being deemed unprofessional in and outside of the workplace. But physical appearance shouldn't discredit a person's intelligence, let alone their ability to save lives. We admire Mary for being an amazing nurse with an equally amazing head of hair!