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Why do people with short hair INSIST on insulting those with longer hair? It's got to the point where im told to get my hair cut almost daily now not by just random people (and its not even long yet), but by people who i consider to be good friends!!! Why do people do that? Is it jealousy? Is there something about long hair on guys that causes them to spontaneously insult others? Whats the big deal? What's so "gay" or "girly" about it?
Sorry for a bit of venting, but i needed to get that off my chest. How do you guys handle negative comments with your hair? Is the way you handle the comments with strangers different than how you handle them with those u know?
I don't know what it is about most people that post here, (maybe they come across as vulnerable) but in the 2.5 years of growing my hair out, I've had maybe one "comment" and I wouldn't even classify that as offensive. It was more humorous than anything.
It's all about presentation. If you have confidence, strong communication skills, and overall common sense, and intelligence, chances are you won't be such a easy target. I'm speaking in generalities here, and not of you personally.
I've harassed plenty of longhairs, and has nothing to do with hair length. Let's face it, some of them are just doped-up, uneducated, shady, and highly unhygienic people.
This doesn't apply to most of the posters here, as most of them take wonderful care of their hair, and seem to be quite educated.
Bottom line: (And this is my opinion) Presentation is everything.
I strongly agree with you.
I agree. They are the reason longhairs get so much abuse. To be honest, if it weren't for this site, when the phrase 'long-haired man' comes up, the first things I'd think of are homeless people and muggers. Hollywood is partly to blame for that one..
Just explain to them that you were going to get it cut, but you were afraid it would turn out looking like their's, and you didn't want to be the butt of so many jokes.
Well, as a person who's always had short hair, I know I've never insulted someone with long hair. (I've usually envied them.) I've known several people over the years with long hair, and they never encountered complaints from short haired people.
Whenever I would try to grow my hair out before and it would start getting bushy, my mom would usually say something like, "I think it's time for a haircut," though I would generally agree, thinking my attempts were proving futile and that it was just not possible for me to have longer hair. Even now, in my current attempt to try growing it out again, I haven't received any complaints. My mom mentioned getting a haircut a few times, but that was before I told it I wanted to stick with it for awhile and see if I could still grow it out like I want it.
I guess the complaints happen more in some places than in others, as I've never encountered it, personally or seeing friends receiving complaints.
But I would like to say, just know that it's not ALL short haired people who insult long hair people.
Probably because the awkward stage is really, well, awkward, and not only to yourself. Wait till you really have long hair, and I think people will accept you as someone with long hair, not a normally short hair guy with hair that is too long.
Or, get new friends? My friends never said anything negative about my hair during my awkward stages and current (nor has my family).
The only comment I've ever gotten from a friend was, "I like your hair when it was shorter." She's gotten over it by now... :)
--Rick
Our culture celebrates individuality and personal freedom, but in fact practices conformity. In the last 80 years, wince WW I, when men's hair was cut short when recruited into the army, to get rid of parasites, short hair has come to be identified with masculinity, so those who are insecure about their masculinity feel threatened by men who have the courage and independence to wear long hair. More could be said, but later.
Caledonian
I don´t know you personally so of course I can´t be 100% sure, but I think the problem lies in you and not your hair.
Be confident, stand your ground and demand respect from your mates. Not by yelling, not by ignoring them, not through violence. Just be firm in your voice that you won´t tolerate their comments. You have the right to have long hair because you want it, and you also have the right to get respect.
Even if you aren´t confident at the moment, standing your ground will create natural confidence. Something that will prove valuable throughout your entire life.
Of course as they say, to be brave is not to be unafraid. To be brave is to face your fears.
The intolerant hurl insults at the tolerant to get them to conform to their rigid way of thinking. Hair, religion, or politics, it doesn't matter what the subject. Stand tall and confident in your resolve and they will turn away.
(I'll stop now and get off my soapbox!)
Bruce
Since my hair's gotten longer I get less and less open comments on my appearance (though I think the body piercings/tattoos have something to do with that too!)
Usually I'd have a couple of responses. . .
1) Give them a look of great incredulousness, and say "What is your problem man? You need to find a hobby"
2) "Get a haircut" "But then I'd look like . . . you (make face of utter disgust)"
I personally think it's jealousy or ignorance, or often a combination of both.
That "Ball" Guy
www.thatballguy.com
When family or friends say, "You need a haircut.", I just say, "No, thank you." My sons, who get great pleasure out of changing their hair styles, are my most outspoken critics. Even my almost 19 year-old, who had the green mohawk adventure, gives me grief. I finally told them that this is my choice, and at 43 years-of-age, I think I can make it for myself. It felt great to use his "individuality nazi" line back at him! Now that the awkward stage is almost over, I get less comments all the time. Stick to your guns, my fellow Braveheart!
BTW, a great way to build confidence is to wear a kilt in public. It scared me half to death the first time, but now I love it! It's the trend of the future! Check out Utilikilt.com to see what I mean! Just a thought!
Because a lot of people are getting more rude, bitter, and self-centered by the hour! Not everyone is becoming this way but man, it sure does seem that way here in NJ, USA. It's sad, really. I try not to be one of them. Cheers!
--
Splat
How do you guys handle negative comments with your hair? Is the way you handle the comments with strangers different than how you handle them with those u know?
There's a definite difference. For the most part, if a stranger were to make a negative comment, I'd most likely simply ignore them. If someone I know comments negatively about it, I'll do my best to give a neutral response like: "Well, you're entitled to your opinion..." without actually saying that I couldn't care less what that opinion is.
Life is too short to waste time worrying about the opinions of people who have little to no effect on your life. There are only two people on this planet whose opinions are going to have any effect on the length of my hair, me and my wife. Any one else can take a long walk off a short pier as far as I'm concerned.
Jim