new thread
Thank you everyone for your excellent feedback.
-"most frightening pictures I've come across for sometime."
Yes I'm being sincere, many of you we're freaked out by the Photoshop picture, lol. I'm actually grinning from ear to ear but it's a negative exposure so it looks like I'm frowning. I like getting a reaction from people so I used it, just trying to be funny or amusing which I think was accomplished, lol.
-"Am I growing my hair as some form of rebellion? Or am I growing my hair as an expression of my authentic self?"
Both, it was definitely for rebellion in the beginning but as I got older became more of an expression of my individuality. I especially connected strongly with this following comment which I found exactly defines why I have long hair today.
-"I am coming to believe that having long hair is simultaneously a strong affirmation of your manhood, while at the same time an expression of gender equality, a commitment to negotiate rather than fight, a desire for peace with justice, and an expression of your personal freedom to not be a cipher in the crowd."
I could not have said that better, in fact I don't think I ever thought about having long hair that deeply. I'm flabbergasted how spot on that is to how I live my life and how I feel, you read my mind.
-"The fact that you have long hair not because you want long hair, but because you say you can't get good short haircuts doesn't show much of a commitment to me. And the fact that you vacillate back and forth and are sensitive to others comments again emphasizes the same."
No offence but this particular comment struck a sour note with me but I might have not been clear. I've only cut my hair short twice in the last 23 years though it was short for about two years and had several haircuts during that time. The first being at 22 out of exhaustion and a need to turn my life around because I had hit a wall. The second because I needed a change and many girls I knew at the time kept encouraging me too, lol. That doesn't change the fact that I think getting bad hair cuts is still a catalyst for why I wear it long, just not the main reason. 20 years total of having long would have to be a commitment or an extreme case of denial, lol. Please don't get me wrong I like the long hair, I think it looks good, it feels natural to me and has become a part of my identity.
-"DON'T DO IT! There are so many women that LOVE men with long hair. If more men knew that, they would all grow there hair back long!"
This has to be my favorite comment as it feeds into one of my reasons for having long hair, lol. I've never had a problem with the ladies and attribute some of that success to the hair! During the short cut years I did not feel as confident or comfortable asking women out. I almost felt like I was pulling a fast one on them because of my deep seeded roots (pun intended). I was able to get a few dates with women who wouldn't have otherwise been seen with me with long hair but it just felt wrong. I think a part of me died to when my girlfriend broke up with me and started dating a guy with long hair. It might even be the cause of why I started growing it out again, I'll have to explore that more I guess, lol.
Well back to what I think is the main reason for considering this is, an oppressive and judgmental society that's expects everyone to conform. Besides not getting jobs that I've wanted and are completely qualified for I really hate being treated like a criminal or second class citizen. I feel I have to work twice as hard to show some people I'm a normal and kind man, this aggravates me to end. Sure occasionally I get a kick out of it but in day to day life I want to be seen as an equal without having to prove it. When I had the short hair I was more openly and easily received by the very same people who would be offended today. It was a real eye opener and at the time and disgusted me to think how shallow some people can be. It was the first time as an adult that I experienced this and never knew such trivial hypocrisies existed.
I've got to wrap this thing up here, lol. I didn't mean to go on so long I hope some of you read it through to the end. I again thank everyone for your comments, I feel I can better make an informed decision as to what course I will go. As always the 2 week rule is in effect and I will let ya'll know when the time is up.
Peace,
-Headset