new thread
A few months ago, one of our regulars here made an insightful comment that has profoundly stuck with me ever since. I believe it was Oren who first described himself feeling, "anatomically complete" once his hair had grown out -- a term that I immediately recognized as my own feeling as well, yet had never been able to put it into those exact words before. I'd like to talk a little bit more about this topic, because I wonder how many others here feel similarly...
Modern society seems to put a helluva lot of emphasis on how someone LOOKS these days. While I'm sure this isn't anything "new", the fact that fashion magazines and Hollywood celebrities are constantly telling us what is "in" VS "out" only adds more social pressure to the overall picture, since human beings often want to look like their favorite idols as much as possible.
What this all means is that unfortunately what then gets UNDER-emphasized is how a person FEELS (because of the social pressure and over-emphasis on how a person LOOKS)...
Here's an example from my own life of what I mean re. the above comments:
When I first grew my hair out to ponytail-length, the broken record going through my head at the time (which almost made me fail at growing my hair out during the early '90s) were some of the following thoughts...
1) Ken is now "too old" to grow long hair anymore
2) Ken has a receding hairline -- and therefore his hair is not "perfect"-looking enough to grow long
3) Ken will look very foolish with long hair (everyone will think he is TRYING to look "cool" or TRYING to look "young", when he obviously isn't either one of those)
4) Ken is "too fat" to look good with long hair
5) Ken doesn't have the correct shaped face to fit with long hair...
.... You get the picture!
Veterans that come back from war obviously have a much tougher loss to deal with than hair if they come back with an arm or a leg missing; and yet society in general tries to dictate to males that we all "SHOULD" be short-haired, "because"...
- men are "supposed to be" short-haired
- long hair is "only" for women
- it's an unnecessary "luxury"
- we should be "tougher' than that!
- we should "grow up" and become "adult" (meaning, become a short-haired conformist)
- etc., etc., and so-forth, and so-on, blah blah blah...
Some people like yogurt; some people don't... Similarly with hair: many guys apparently like it short (although I have no idea for the life of me WHY - lol); but then there are other guys who genuinely like it long (or in my case, looooooong!!)!!!!!
Like Oren, I feel more anatomically "complete" with long hair than without it.
If a crazed Nazi were to attack me on the street and chop off all my hair, I will survive. But, as long as I have a choice, I will also grow it back.
If an accident, illness, and/or chemotherapy (or even MPB) were to cause my hair to fall out, I will deal with it as best I know how. But again, if any opportunity whatsoever to grow it back allows, I will -- even if others think I'd look "better" with a shaved head, it's not about how I look to others that matters to me anymore: it's how I FEEL having more hair, rather than less.
In other words...
Just like with having two arms & two legs, I'd prefer having my hair long, just as much as I want to keep all of my limbs: I feel more complete, and happier because of it.
As the "Serenity Prayer" in 12-step programs goes, "God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; the courage to change the things I can, -- and the wisdom to know the difference." (My apologies if I may have gotten the quote slightly wrong -- I'm not a 12-step guy myself; but I do have a lot of friends who are.)
OK, getting off my soapbox now (LOL)!!
- Ken
Fantastic post, Ken!
I too can understand the feeling of being "anatomically complete". But I'd even take it further than that. When my hair started to get "longish" (close to shoulder length), I started to feel more "human" rather than a robot living in our society. I felt more confidence and had a happier, calmer demeanor.
It was like I was more tuned to the natural world and I started to change my lifestyle to reflect this. It was like I was on the outside looking in, disconnected from society, not understanding why people acted the way they do.
The process of setting myself apart from most others for very personal reasons had a profound effect on my life. I no longer felt the need to follow any of society's strange conventions since in my mind I had already "broken away" from the trap.
I was able to live exactly how I desire without worrying constantly about the perceptions of others, and it's extremely satisfying. And you know what? I've found that people have great respect for one who stands for his beliefs without worry. The view of longhairs as being "strong-willed" or "independent" really does hold true.
I hope this post makes sense, as I was having trouble trying to put my exact feelings into words. In any case, thank you again for your insightful words, Ken. I always enjoy reading them!
-Dan H.
It makes perfect sense to me. I bet you feel that no one can possibly feel as strongly about as you do. I have that thought a lot.
Peace,
Jarvis
Thanks for your reply, Jarvis.
It is very reassuring to me that you understand and agree with what I'm saying.
I hope this doesn't come off as condescending, as I am only 24, relatively not much older than you, but your outlook on life (as I've gathered from reading your posts) is a very mature and open-minded one that I fear I haven't reached even at my age. The pressure to conform will only get stronger as you get older, so please don't lose your passion and the view on life you hold now; it would be such a shame.
With respect,
-Dan H.
Actually, no, it gets weaker. Maybe as others give you up as a lost cause, LOL!
Ah, I should have clarified. I meant the pressure to conform gets stronger once you get to the stage when everyone expects you to become an adult (like long hair has anything to do with that?) and join the "real world" (a term I really dislike, but that's another story!)
-Dan H.
I know what you mean. People expect that of me now (16). But people that are actually mature realize that I'm more mature than other people my age. They just have to spend a couple minutes talking to me. I'm always the dude that will go to my friends houses and hang out with them and end up talking to their parents about serious things just as much as I'm with my friends.
No clever statement this time,
Jarvis
Yea. A good bit of people have given up on me... or realized that I'm right! :)
Possibly too overconfident?
Jarvis
Thanks Dan. I take that a a very high compliment.
I have a very skewed sense of existence that is usually good, sometimes scary (I'm sure if people knew my thoughts I'd be locked up in a psych ward instantly). I see life in different ways than other people. I'm perfectly comfortable with the thought of death. There are various causes that I stand up for at every chance: gay marriage, legalization of various things, the right to die (euthanasia and whatnot), womens rights, mens rights, longhair rights, racism (I'm not racist, I hate everyone equally:) )... to name a few. There are other things I will not discuss online seeing as maybe 1 or 2 people in the world know the deeper parts of my mind, and even they are missing a lot.
The pressure for me to conform right now is actually pretty high. I live in a fairly backwoods right-winged part of the states. I get slurs everyday, I just wish I cared enough about other peoples opinions of me to do something about it. But I don't. Because they're just words and frankly I don't give a damn. Only things that really piss me off is someone insulting one of my friends or my family. Other than that, they can say whatever they want to me. Just wasting their own energy.
Well, there's your look into one region my mind for the day. Hope you enjoyed yourself. Please exit the shuttle and procede down the line.
Peace from the padded room at the end of the hall,
Jarvis
Hi Jarvis, hope you don't mind me bumping in here. I just had to say that you seem almost frighteningly similar to me in your view of the world.
I have always felt kind of out of phase with the rest of the world, but until recently I didn't know why. Turns out that I am A) more open-minded than most people and B) don't let things others do bother me. For example: I never understood why people complained about so called alternative lifestyles and subcultures such as homosexuals, hippies, emos, goths, otakus and so on. I always felt happy that they had found something they liked and knew where they belong.
I have escaped the pressure to conform, at least for a while, by moving to Japan for studies. Until I learn the language people can throw slurs after me all they want, I won't understand them anyway. The people I have met up until now though seem friendly, so i hope that is the norm.
The conformation pressure back in Sweden was not that heavy, but it was always there in the background, wearing on my mind. It feels good to have escaped that, even if its just for a while. Hopefully I can build up some momentum of non-conformity that will be hard to stop afterwards.
Looking into another persons mind is always fascinating, and makes you reflect over your own ways of thinking and acting. A nice reality check of sorts.
//Sebasthian
Nice to meet someone else so laidback about other peoples lifestyle choices. As well as anyone who has something bad to say about you.
By "pressure to conform" in my first post I ofcourse don't mean that any of it matters. I know who I am, and nobodys gonna change that anytime soon. But there are a lot of people that want to.
And Yes, studying the inner workings of people is always fun. I'm pretty decent at it now and taking a college-level psychology class next year which will just help me even more. Now if only we had a debate class so I could argue my points of view more... oh well.
Peace,
Jarvis
Thanks for the great post Ken! And I completely agree with you.
I definitely feel more complete inside because of having long hair.
I've wanted long hair pretty much my whole life. I remember fighting with my mom about haircuts as early as 5 to 7 years old. It was only when I was around 15 that she stopped caring and let me grow my hair out, and I've now been growing it for over a year and a half.
I believe long hair has also helped shape my personality and made me stronger inside. Resisting other people's insults and standing up for what I believe in has definitely made me a better person. I don't care what others think of my looks, I don't care if short hair is "in", I don't care about conforming to what society expects of me. I'll do what makes ME happy inside, and that is having long hair.
I also agree that if something ever happened to my hair, I would take any chance to grow it out again. As much as I don't want to go through the awkward stage again, I would be willing to tough it out.
Anyways, thanks again for the wonderful post Ken, I always enjoy reading your stuff.
Luke.
Glad to hear you would stop at nothing to grow it back out. The only reason I can actually concieve for cutting my hair would be to go through the awkward stage, seeing as I don't remember it. But no, I could never cut my hair. As much as I think I'm capable of anything mentally, the cutting of my hair is something I can't see ever happening. I've even told the closest people to me that if they ever cut any of my hair, I have no problem never speaking to them again.
Do I sound crazy yet?
Jarvis
You don't sound crazy Jarvis! I feel exactly the same way. If anyone, whether it be a friend or family member cut or shaved my hair, I'd never speak to them again. Or it would at least put a massive damper in the relationship not easily repaired. I would never trust them the same way again.
I know I don't sound crazy to you guys, but I'm sure I do to all the non-longhairs out there. And combined with some of my personal and political views, you all would probably think I was crazy too!
Jarvis
Hi Ken, that certainly was great commentary:)I hear you loud and clear on all your points and totally agree.For me, when I look into the mirror,I have to admit I like what I see.I can imagine there are many who don't but I don't care.I'd rather look back at myself more than some fugly short haired/ buzzed guy.Yea, I know longhair isn't for everyone but I've had it long enough to realize it's my life!In one aspect I should say.Anyway I enjoyed reading your post Ken and look forward to another face to face in a few weeks.
Mark
I know its a huge part of my life too. Plus with long hair, you will be remembered. Short-hairs come and go all the time, but when someone different comes along, you take notice. You watch and listen. And what they say sticks with you, and you remember them when you see them again, however long that may be. Freaks have the biggest ompact on society for a reason. I know that anytime I meet someone new with short hair it takes me weeks to remember their name. Longhairs: once or twice, got it! We are just more interesting people and I don't care how conceded that sounds because its the truth.
Long haired freak forever!
Jarvis
My sentiments exactly as shorthaired guys are so common as dirt they are just another non memorable face in the crowd.I do take notice of any guy I see in real life with some sort of long hair.We are a special breed Jarvis and I mean that in a good way:)I take great pride in the fact that I've had my hair long more than half my natural life.And that's uninterrupted.No falling off the wagon going short for a bit and regrowing.I always knew I was born to be a longhaired freak;)
Mark
I remember that too. I've been thinking about that everytime hair is mentioned. That comment really sank deep.
Yea. I get it. Fuck those people.
Same here.
Again. I can't express in words how much i feel this way.
I'll grow it back. Right after I kill him with whatever he used to cut my hair. (Ironys a bitch)
r chemotherapy (or even MPB) were to cause my hair to fall out, I will deal with it as best I know how. But again, if any opportunity whatsoever to grow it back allows, I will -- even if others think I'd look "better" with a shaved head, it's not about how I look to others that matters to me anymore: it's how I FEEL having more hair, rather than less.
I've thought a lot about this. If I had to go through chemotherapy, I'd never be able to shave my head like most people do. I'd keep to what little hair I may have. Same with balding.
yes.
I know your feelings man. I also can't help but feel that no one can possibly feel as passionately about this as I do. (do you think the same thing?) I seriously see no point in living with short hair. I know I'd never be happy.
And I'd like to expand upon the having long hair (and this is probably the more insane side of me speaking) But I love letting my hair get greasy and dirty and go unbrushed for a couple days every so often. I can't explain why, it just feels right to me. Then there are the mojority of days when I like it brushed and "neat." But still a little greasy, cuz freshly shampooed hair doesn't feel right to me at all. Think Kurt Cobain on "unplugged" hair. I love my hair being that way and I don't care how disgusting someone may think it is.
I get that some people feel right with short hair. Some of my friends have had it long then cut it and been happier. Its about what makes you comfortable. But short hair shure as hell isn't for me. I hate the short hair, suit and tie, pointless life machine that the industrial revolution created.
Heres to being a real human, not a robot!
Jarvis :)
Jarvis, I'm the same way! I prefer the feel of my hair when it hasn't been washed for a few days, kind of greasy and dirty, a little matted. I guess it's the same part of me that wants long hair to begin with controlling these feelings. It just feels more natural when it's a little dirty, and that's what I'm all about; feeling natural, and organic, and animalistic.
Yep. Well, part of it for me is that long hair looks great... But mostly that I just would not see life as having any meaning if I didn't have the hair. And this goes for both the emotional/mental side of long hair, and just the way it physically feels. I try to imagine myself with short hair. It doesn't happen. I can't do that. I can't emotionally handle getting a haircut.
And aside from that, having long hair all around my head just feels amazing. I can push it out of my way when I need to. I can flip it around and instantly get a new style, I can hide in it. (by I, I ofcourse mean WE) And I'm sure you guys will agree: Having no shirt and your hair down on your shoulders and back and chest is a great feeling.
Loving this thread way too much,
Jarvis
I completely understand what you are all talking about. Long hair has become part of my identity. Though I sometimes dislike it or find it inconvenient, I cannot imagine ever living with short hair. I've had the desire to grow my hair long for as far back into my childhood as I can remember, though it wasn't until late high school that I had the strength to actually do it. From that point on I've always said to myself and others that I will be a longhair for life, and I intend to maintain that oath to my death; I cannot picture myself otherwise. In times of hardship it's easy to want to cut it all off, but after that moment of blindness has passed I feel ever grateful that I had the fortitude to not conform to the pressures of society.
I especially agree with Dan's post about breaking out of societal norms. By setting yourself outside the standards of society, it's very easy to see things objectively, to see how silly and shallow people tend to be, how quickly they are to fold to the pressures of society.
I've met so many people who do some very ridiculous things, and when questioned, they say,
"Well it's what society expects of me" in their defense. I respond saying,
"Well what does it matter if you don't follow the rules of society? you're not breaking any laws so why can't you simply be yourself and act the way you want to?", and they simply cannot understand the idea of freedom of thought and action. It may come off as arrogant, but many other people I meet tend to simply act as tools and nothing more, incapable of independent thought. Obviously I'm not saying all longhairs are like this, nor that this quality is exclusive to longhairs at all, but rather, long hair represents the strength to be different, to stand out as a unique individual among a hill of identical and thoughtless ants. Growing out one's hair is just one type of catalyst that can set someone free from the social prison we have constructed.
I know what you mean about taking yourself out and looking at everything objectively. Hell, I've figured how to do that in my own life too. It bites me in the ass sometimes though because not everyone can do that and when I say something people think I'm being manipulative, which isn't true. I just want the best for people and that usually coincides with something I want them to do.
Growing hair IS one way to open yourself up and free yourself from society. Because we are a minority. But we're different from all other minorities. If you're black, you're black. If you're Asian, you're Asian. If you're gay, you're gay. We choose to have long hair. Its easy to exit the minority. We choose to hold on to the outskirts of normalcy, and thats not always something thats easy to do. If someone puts you down for your race, you can't change it to show them that you're ready to fix yourself for them. You can do that with hair, which separates us from everyone else.
But aside from that, learning to say "Why short hair?" opens up an entire new world for you. "Why" is the most powerful word. And one that most people don't have an answer to. But when they ask us why, we have everything we need to say. The only thing better than asking why is having a legitamate answer when someone else does.
I think too much,
Jarvis
So.......it's not the length that matters but how you brush it.
As Spock would say..."Fascinating"
Indeed!
Don't forget the raise eyebrow!
God I must been so bare all those years ago!
Great Post UC!
I know exactly what you're saying.
I feel also that having long hair is a state of mind.
Throughout our lives we may be forced to undergo changes to our hair (military service, prison term, hospital stay, etc.) where for some time, it must be worn short(er). But I feel that for every long hair, our strength lies within.
Unlike Samson, who lost his great strength when he was shaved, to become "weak like other men" (A dig at short hairs of Biblical proportions!), we maintain our strength, not only to persevere, but to rise up in the face of adversity and not be broken. We maintain the strength to be ourselves, and to be different.
I remarked to a friend of mine once that I feel most like a man when I have a beard, feelings which he reciprocated. He pointed out the fact that at the time, I didn't have one, to which I replied "Just because I don't wear a beard, doesn't mean I don't have a beard", by which I meant that, in my mind, I always have a beard, just as I always have long hair.
The best of times are when my mind and body are in agreement.
As for the worst of times, draw on your draw on your strength!
First off: Thanks for your reply to my post earlier.
Also, I know what you mean about the beard. I'm 16 and can only grow a goatee, mustache, and about 20 hairs on each side of my face. But thats my hair damnit! I earned that hair and no one has the right to make me get rid of it. I would, possibly, shave for a job if everywhere turned me down for that reason. But like you said, just because I don't have a beard doesn't mean I don't have a beard.
I think I've finally lost it,
Jarvis
Hi Ken. My opinions are that I find those statements BS to my standards. Men can choose to have long hair if they want, and I want my hair nice and long. We all have choices, and we do not need to have to follow the "standards" of the society.
Matthew
I... wait?... what?... Which statements do you think are BS? What Ken said or his list of things that society says?
Confused :(
Jarvis
n/t
I just feel complete Ken, when I've done my 100 hair brush strokes before bed!
Another important factor to remember is that most "likes" and desires are socially constructed, so a preference for short hair is a product of the society in which it exists. It seems like a yearing to grow long hair is more of an innate desire, but it is almost impossible to distinguish which is which because even a reaction to social constructs are results of social constructs. It is a rare man who listens to his heart and remains undistracted by social pressure that assault us on all sides. And even though long hair in the strictest sense is not required to complete a man, it seems as if it does complete a man in a different sense in that fulfills a man's complete array similar to the way a mane completes a lion or a tail a peacock and so on.
The media does indeed put lots of pressure on people to look a certain way, but the biggest irony of this is that most people don't even try to meet those standards! I certainly am not going to shave my chest or any ridiculous crap like that. In reality, the slightly fat, hairy-chested guys with glasses and hearing aids get the "girls" too! ;-)
Wow, incredible post Ken, and so true. I have always associated long hair on men with a strong and free will, as well as a sense of individualism and independence. This post, and indeed this whole board confirms that. I'm really glad I stumbled upon this place while randomly surfing my way through the murky waters known as the Internet.
//Sebasthian
There is a scientific basis for this. It is called "Phantom Limb Phenomenon." The link goes to one page about it, but a search engine will find many.
The most common manifestation of it is that people who have lost limbs still feel like they are there. However, people who were born without ever having a limb can feel like it is there. By "feel like it is there", I mean they get sensation from the missing limb felt in the brain, they may feel they can command the limb to move, or they just may feel psychological trauma at not seeing it there.
This phenomenon arises in the subconscious. In one case a patient lost an arm and felt intense pain and psychological trauma due to its loss. A researcher made a box with mirrors and had the patient put his good arm in the box. The box made him see a reflection of the limb where the missing one should have been. Then the researcher asked the patient to flex the fingers in both hands at the same time (i.e., at the same rhythm) and within about twenty minutes the patient's pain and trauma went away! He KNEW he did not have one arm, but by seeing it, he FELT like he did, and this visual image was all the subconscious needed. To the subconscious, seeing is believing!
That some people miss limbs they never had suggests that some people may miss other parts of the body that nature normally gives people but they lack. Men who have mentioned in this thread missing their long hair and beards could fall into this category.
So no, those who feel this way are not crazy. What they are experiencing is a normal manifestation of the quirky but very human way the human brain deals with missing parts.
Bill
Thats awesome. I've known about phantom limb before but never thought about it in relation to hair
Peace,
Jarvis
Wonderful and insightful post Ken!
I feel the same way. My hair is as important to me as my two left feet!
I think opinions of hair, boil down to two lines of thought: Those that "feel" thier hair is part of them. Oh it can be short hairs also, but it's still the "feeling" of the hair. It exists and is real. Then there are those that believe hair is just a "decoration", to be manipulated and constrained. And too many of them think their opinions on the subject are more important than yours!
I believe that is the primary conflict in schools and the workplace. When hair is viewed as a "decoration" by those in charge, it is expected that you wouldn't "wear" your hair to work or school "that way". But hair isn't a pair of slacks and an oxford shirt that you can trade in for jeans and a tee-shirt when you get home. It should be viewed as the permanent irreplaceable possession of the person it's attached to!
Well it's getting late, and I fear I may be dribbling on too much.
Bruce
You have an interesting thread here Ken, and I guess it is time to chime in on this.
< font color = #0000FF> Total rubbish, you are never too old to grow your hair long.
< font color = #0000FF> Total rubbish again. Your mane looks super, Ken. I have a high hairline too, and it sure did not stop me.
< font color = #0000FF> Again a total lie. Those who are foolish are those who taunt longhairs.
< font color = #0000FF> Total nonsense again. I have seen many overweight men with fantastic hair.
< font color = #0000FF> Another lie. Your hair looks great, and don't listen to others lies.
< font color = #FF0000>Still yet, another lie. God made hair to grow long on both men and women.
< font color = #FF0000> Again, if that was true, God would have given males a terminal length of only a few inches.
< font color = #FF0000> Not really. Long hair keeps you warm and provides protection.
< font color = #FF0000> Actually you have to be tough to grow it long. You need to be thick skinned in a sea of short haired male society.
< font color = #FF0000> All of the older longhairs I know, including you, are quite mature.
< font color = #FF00FF>I can't explain it in a few words, but I agree that I too feel more complete with long hair.
Scott
Ah, always a joy to read Ken's thought-provoking posts! Thanks, Ken, and don't stop. Of course as always your essay resonates with me.
I've been on this board long enough (a couple weeks :) ) to already get a sense that non-conformity is the norm here. I do think we need to resist the temptation to pat each other on the back too much. We are not better than others because we have long hair, just different.
I think generally we do tend to be more independent, less conforming to social norms, and to have pretty strong moral values. However, I am still a pretty mainstream guy, on the outside at least. I am a senior software engineer at a telecom company. I have a possibility for a management position now and I am worried about whether or not that will be jeopardized by my long hair.
This is a real practical consideration, and I'm debating whether the increased responsibility, influence, and salary is worth more than the obvious pleasure of having long hair.
At this point I have no intention of cutting it but it's not off the table. I have two young kids I need to put through college at some point and I love them a lot. It does not make sense at this point to say, screw it, who cares, I'm growing my hair and the hell with everybody - although at other times in my life it has made sense.
I guess all I'm saying is that we should respect others who do not choose to grow their hair long if we expect them to respect us. It's a personal choice, a style, a fashion, to which I think a lot of us - especially our detractors - ascribe way too many unrelated attributes.
We flatter ourselves by associating independence, strength of character, and so on with long hair. Others associate drug use, poor personal hygiene, and dark anti-social tendencies. None of those are correct in the general case. Sometimes a cigar is only a cigar!
Enjoy your long hair. Pride yourself in it. Disrespect the disapproval of others. Take for granted your right to wear it however you like. But I caution not to mistake that for superiority in any way. That way lies madness and the bigotry that we all so dislike.
-- George the Gadfly
PS - Good God, have I just positioned myself as the non-conformist in a group of non-conformists?? AAIIIIIEEEEE!!!!
Damn,where do I start here.
Well I agree that Ken's posts are always great reads and it's great you've enjoyed you time on the board so far but I take issue with a lot of what you said.Why not pat each other on the back since we have the guts to fight back when comformists try to impose their will on us.That's one reason right there why we are superior.I hear your argument about possibly getting into a management position but do you think if that person was a woman instead of a man she would be expected to have a short haircut!I think not.I'm qualified right? So whats your beef with my hair!I've ran into this once in my working career and can proudly say my hair prevailed over that particular job offer:)I refused to cut my hair.Period!I'll further say I'll be damned if I'm going to wait until I retire to have long hair.I'll respect your decision should you give up your hair for a promotion but that's a cop out.Good luck George with whatever you decide to do as I won't hold it against you......Cheers:)
Mark
I only have a few things to say....
1) hairball beat me to the punch
2) Yea. As far as I'm concerned we are better, and I don't care how self-centered and conceded that sounds. Yea, longhair isn't for everybody. But who knows how many guys would be longhairs if society wasn't such a bitch to deal with. Just the fact that we're able to stand up to them, hold onto our hair with such tenacity, and not care what they think of it shows that we are mentally stronger than they are. And the fact that most of us aren't going to dislike someone based on gender, race, sexual prefrence, religion, etc. shows we're more accepting. More people like that would lead to a significant drop in the bullshit drama all over the world with wars and such. So yes, you may be right that having longhair isn't for everybody; but the people who have or have had long hair are most likely more mature and mentally stronger than those who try to force feed "normal" down our throats. Not everybody should have to have long hair. We don't say that at all. But everyone should have the thought process of a longhair.
Jarvis
------------------------------------------------------
Wow, Jarvis. You give true meaning to the phrase: Out of the mouths of babes. (A phrase from an earlier thread.)
You have incredible wisdom and are not even 20 years old. At your age I did not have a clue what the world was about. You have it very well figured out, and at such a young age.
You are so right that most of our society is really bigoted against longhair guys. Have you ever noticed that the villain in a movie often has long hair? The hero will usually have short hair.
You are so right that longhairs are much more accepting of those in society who are outside the mainstream.
The reason for wars is nearly always because someone wants to control the lives of others when it is none of their f'ing business. They are control freaks and want to rule over all. I can't get this thought out of my mind of dropping all of them kicking and screaming into a pit 5 kilometers deep and a hundred meters wide. Afterwards I would cover the pit.
Again, you are spot on. Guys with long hair are more mature than short hair guys of the same age.
Keep it growing, keep the faith, and keep offering those great words of wisdom.
Peace
Scott
Thanks Scott. I take compliments like that very highly. Now if we can just get the fat cats and the supressors to grow up a little.
Jarvis
In a nutshell - great post Ken, and a wonderful elaboration on that "Anatomical Completeness" aspect of growing long hair that I touched on a while back.
- Oren