new thread
I posted a message in August for insights and opinions about my 5yr old son asking for a hair cut. My major concern was the boys self image. I do not want to force him to have long hair, but hesitated to leave the decision to him before he is old enough to fully understand it's meaning. I received several and all were appreciated.
I am happy to say he still has his braids. His Dad went to his daycare and had a talk with them. I don't know what he said, but they, and the children stoped making comments about his hair. He has also started Kindergarden, and has had no problems there. He has not mentioned a hair cut in months:)
To answer some of the questions. The Hansons are from this area, so is Garth Brooks, this has no affect on my sons situation that I know of. Yes he is Native American, his Father is 4/4 creek. We do not live on a resavation, where boys with long braids are common. We live in Tulsa Oklahoma, The Buckle of the Bible Belt, short hair and cowboy boots.
I will try to post a photo for Thomas when I figure out how. I have no idea what someone could get from making up a situation like this, but I'm proud to show pics of my boy.
Hi, Shirley--
My in-laws live in Tulsa, and the last time I was there was in
June 1999. I am a Chinese Sikh, and usually wear a turban.
One morning after I had taken a shower, I dried off as best I
could and went out to a cafe for breakfast--turbanless, of course,
in order to allow my hair to fully dry. My hair is "south of my
shoulderblades" in back.
The waitress at the restaurant was Creek (Muskogee), and asked
if I was also Creek! I was very happy to have been mistaken
for a Native American.
Yes, the Hansons are in Bixby; and Taylor was born in Jenks.
I agree with you about the dominance of the Bible Belt culture.
But, I was also surprised to find a large Asian supermarket in
east Tulsa; and also a beautiful Vietnamese Buddhist temple and
compound in east Tulsa. It had a beautiful grotto with a statue
of Guan Yin (The Goddess of Mercy).
I'm sure that the talk with the school officials was beneficial.
Native Americans seemed to be well-accepted in Oklahoma.
Many people are proud of their Native American ancestry there.
So even though Tulsa may seem like the heart of the Bible Belt,
a drive out to Tahlequah will also show that the Native American
culture and spirit are very much alive and well, and that a
Native American keeping long hair is perfectly acceptable and
natural.
Best wishes,
Loren