(Community Matters) Skull caps, hoodies and low-rise pants – not expecting a Starbucks manager to emerge from the back dressed this way. Because I was having trouble signing onto their wireless, I asked for help and the barista called for the manager. I’m immediately struck that this is awkward dress for a manager but only for a second and my mind moved on.
A few minutes later, an African American female customer totally dressed him down – ranted at him for being inappropriately dressed. Told him to pull up his pants and take off the hoodie & cap. He wasn’t gracious or accepting of her advice, saying he was off the clock – which appears not to be the case
I haven’t thought for a while about the challenge of professional judgment based on cultural dress. Liberal biases aside, if I were the regional manager, I wouldn’t allow this. The baristas are wearing caps with Starbucks logos but not skull caps and not hoodies. I admit I could be wrong.
Community Matters 