To my coworkers,

Yes I am a black female. Yes I do have hair on my head.
Just because I decided that I would like to put some braid extensions in for a different look does not change who I am. No I did not all of a sudden get “more black” or somehow gained the persona of being “rasta”. I am still the same girl as before nothing besides my hair apparence has changed.
No you may not touch my hair and no this isn’t rope in my head and I am even offended that you would even call it that. And yes, I can still feels those little patts you give me as I sit down. I am not a robot or a vegetable that is unable to feel when people are touching me.
Please, do not try to rationalize your reaction and say it would be the same for any other girl that got their new hair do. We both know that is a lie and you are just sayin that to make yourself feel better. Also, please do no get offended when I tell you that the comments you are making are racist. No I do not mean overt racist where you say you hate black people. I mean more sublet racism that makes an minority feel out of place and unwelcomed. It’s one this to notice my hair style and compliment it. It is another to say things that make an individual feel self conscious about their hair. And for you to then associate them with any former or current employee that has their hair in braids. And no the beauty supply jokes that you are making and asking how much my new hair cost are not funny jokes an they are not apperticated.

Yes I am a black female that does have some braid extensions in her hair. But I am more than what my hairstyle defines me as. I wish I could say the same about you.