new thread
For all of you having trouble with your parents over your hair, below is one of the questions in today's Ann Landers column. At least she knows what the right answer is.
Al
Dear Ann:
Some time ago, you had a letter about a grown man who let his hair grow out and his father no longer let him in the house. Our son, "Evan," is now in college, paying his own tuition and living at home. His hair has become a battleground between him and his father. His father berates him constantly because the boy refuses to get it cut. This is ruining their relationship. My husband thinks it shows a lack of respect for Evan to disregard his wishes. I could use your advice.
Disgusted With the Whole Situation in Nebraska
Don't tell me parents are still fussing about their sons' hair. As long as Evan keeps his hair clean and out of other people's faces, the parents shouldn't squawk. There are too many other issues far more important. Hair is a non-issue, and should be regarded as such. Evan's dad should lay off.
Ann Landers is human. You decided against responding to her reply, but she undoubtedly received a lot of mail with different opinions. She is obviously quite open minded and decided that her original response was far too rigid. Nobody is perfect.
Maybe it was because she knew that the father obviously wouldn't change his mind on this issue and the only way this family would start talking again was for the son to cut his hair. Different situations have different solutions, not every problem can be solved with "Don't cut your hair and tell your dad to lighten up."
Miss Manners had a similar comment in one of her recent books, saying that it's impolite to assume anything about a man's personality based just on his hair length. And we wouldn't want Miss Manners to consider us impolite, would we? :-)
- Chris