The style of hair to the style of dress creates an image that others use to judge who you are at first glance. Fly, grown & sexy, ghetto, sophisticated, hood, and “ho-ish” all describe a person based on their image. Basketball superstar, Allen Iverson cut his cornrows because of his admiration for President Barack Obama and apparent view that the President has raised the bar on what´s acceptable. Sure, most would say President Obama´s appearance represents a “clean cut”, positive image, but does an ethnic style automatically portray a negative image?

There´s often accusations of racial discrimination based on race, image and style. The Power & Light district is only the most recent complaints of discrimination based in Kansas City´s history, so IGNITE wanted to take a closer look at perspectives in Image & Style in KC. “A clean cut on a guy causes you to think that he may be a really good guy. He doesn´t look all ‘thugged´ out with his ‘ghetto´ braids. A clean cut says you have a good job and it makes you look more professional,” said Jasmine, 26.

You can tell a person´s social status by their hair. Braids are not acceptable in the corporate world,” said Kenneth, 23. “I mean a guy can be professional and wear braids, but they will face a lot of obstacles because people would assume he is some type of thug or criminal.”

Lusette Altema owner of Luse Hairs in Lee´s Summit, Missouri, believes image plays an important role in a person´s life. “First impression is everything and your appearance is what people use to make their first judgments,” she said. “As a stylist, I always try to keep in mind my clients profession when suggesting something new for them.”

The way person dresses isn´t always an accurate reflection of his or her character, but it does send a message. Sometimes that message isn´t always clear and can attract negative attention.