new thread
I've visited MLHH for a while now, and decided to finally post, and hopefully contribute to the discussion here. So Howdy, everyone!
First off, I have had long hair for about 6 years now, and my recollection of childhood is probably pretty familiar to many here. As a kid, I wanted long hair, but there was no way that was going to happen as long as my dad had anything to say about it. There were clashes early on about haircuts, and the funny thing is that whenever I questioned his reasoning, only more anger ensued. Obviously, he had no reason, other than society's expectations.
I am definitely treated differently with long hair, and especially was during my long employment in a rather conservative environment. Nothing was ever directly said about my hair, but I'm sure that many of you are familiar with the general tension that can be felt in a conformist, hierarchical workplace. Conformity is certainly something that I have not been able to identify with for a long time.
A big advantage about having long hair is that it's rather easy to know who you want to spend your time with. I've read many posts where people, usually young guys, are at odds with their long hair because of other people's reactions. Many of them abort mission early on- some because of trends, but many feel they are a longhair at heart and want to be accepted. I suggest to them to keep growing, because it will give you the opportunity to learn about yourself, other people, and society in general. Simply put, no matter what you do, you aren't going to make everyone happy, and it isn't our responsibility to do so. Don't feed the system: CHANGE the system!
As far as my hair, it feels like myself. It's a good place to be. I'll post some pics soon.
As far as care, I only wash about once a week, because it can get coarse and dry. I use Aveeno conditioner (great stuff), and olive oil. That's about it. I've got it to 18 inches, but it's very wavy, so length doesn't show as much, but it seems like it has slowed. I'm hoping my terminal length isn't already near, not really sure, but it would be pretty short if that were the case.
Thanks for reading, and hello, again!
I have gotten to the point where cutting my hair is not an option.but fighting with any means possible to prevent my hair being cut is an option. i will pull out the big guns for that one.James/Tampa,Fl
Same here. But in all fairness, my employer never told me to cut my hair, because it wasn't covered in the employee rules. It was more like an unspoken disapproval, and I think it really did affect how many hours they gave me, what positions they would consider me for, etc.
Your Dad wanted you to "fit in" and be like everyone else.
America is an uptight country especially when it comes to things like this
Europeans don't have a problem with it. why do we?
Every culture the world over has written and/or unwritten rules and expectations of its members. There is no one culture or country in the world that allows for *complete* freedom of look/voice/belief/practice. The United States has the highest degree of *individual* rights of any country in the world. Many cultures operate on "group mentality" and "majority rules," where the individual stands little to no chance of affecting change, and the cultural pressure and expectation to conform is overpowering (and in some cases, literally life threatening not to do so). The US has federal, state, and local laws that empower the individual. It may not be easy, but it IS possible, to affect change. Every generation and group in the US has fought for *something*, yet there are still worthwile causes that need to be/currently are being fought for. We enjoy the rights and priviledges we have today because those who came before us fought for them. We need to continue to fight for what is right, not only for ourselves and for future generations, but also for all those worldwide who don't have even the most basic rights that we enjoy in the US. Freedom isn't free, and freedom is ALWAYS unfinished business.
Freedom isn't free, and freedom is ALWAYS unfinished business.
Nice quote there
Frodo
hmmm. I'm not so sure about that, why are you?
I've actually worked with a few people from Eastern European countries and former "Soviet" blocs who have said exactly the opposite as you have in regards to U.S "freedom".
Now, if what you're stating is correct then perhaps Europeans are more willing to fight for their rights than Americans are which could be the case. we seem to have become a complacent country so perhaps if we got off our butts and did something tomorrow and stood up to the oppressors so this will be done and over with this would probably not be an issue the very next week.
also, since we're on the topic of U.S allegedly having more freedom why haven't the students and parents held a major protest at that Wills point high school or the preschool in Mesquite, Texas?
why haven't long haired Men in Florida staged a massive protest at Disney World and any other resorts who refuse to hire long haired male employees?
If they tried to reinstate the 1960s haircut code in schools in the Northeast and/or California there would probably be massive rioting among the students.
The United States is not clearly united on all things, but should be and that includes ending discrimination against long haired Men period!
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Apparently, the collective of parents of the student bodies in said schools do not feel strongly enough to protest. Just because something is disconcerning to one person/a few people, that does not mean that it is of utmost concern to the collective. The same can be said of Disney employees.
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The media repeatedly shows photos/videos of the long haired "hippie" counter-culture of the 1960, but less often shows the style of dress/grooming/common daily life of the *majority* of Americans in that same time frame. MOST Americans were not on the extreme side of the counter-culture movement. The ones who were, were more organized in groups, and were able to effect change through numbers, persistence, and media coverage (which is still the most effective method to date).
I respect the fact that you have strong feelings toward your own, and others', personal freedom regarding choice of hair style. But I honestly wonder if you have gone as far as you can with this particular platform (the mlhh board)? Perhaps you should consider starting (or searching to see if one or more already exists) a group, website, or Facebook page designed to gather a community of persons who wish to come together in the common goal of social change regarding acceptance of long hair on males. I wish you good luck with whatever decision you make. :)
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Or perhaps: ending discrimination in any form, period!
I've wondered the same thing and feel as you do. I've written about this subject before and many times. Why are Americans so passive and unwilling to defend their rights? Why do so many Americans follow the majority crowd and mock those who act or look differently in their society? I'm not this way. I think America is among the nations that is more controlled and oppressed than average. I think lots of mind control is at work and it starts in the school system primarily. The school system is like a brainwashing facility and their ideas are taught like religion. The NYC school system really messed with my mind until I found out the values of the Libertarian Party and how they promote personal liberty. The Libertarian Party undid all of this damage drummed into me over the years from schooling. It took a couple or few years to cleanse myself of the brainwashing. Due to my experience, I've helped successfully influence other youth who experienced the same thing. To know what it's like to be free the idea of liberty must brought into people's consciousness.
Good points. I suppose there are many factors that dictate our social "norms." One thing that makes it easier is to look through a wider perspective that spans far beyond American culture. Once I did that and accepted the reality of how far and wide long hair on males has been in various cultures, it really makes the narrow parameters of our modern "norms" look rather ridiculous. It's hard to believe something in its natural state is somehow frowned upon.
The disapproval seems to be a little less overt these days, and has seemed to go from mostly combative remarks to eye rolls. I can't imagine growing up in 1960s suburbia and growing my hair long.
I think we have gotten to where we are now by little victories along the way. The cultural revolutions of the 60s certainly opened the door.
Welcome aboard SoulSpin.Interesting handle BTW:)I enjoyed reading your post as it was very well written and I'll certainly look forward to your pic when ready to show it.Your words ring so true as I feel for guys who want longhair. They are either afraid of what others will say or are just uncomfortable with the idea that others will treat them in a negative way.I've been very fortunate to have avoided most of what you mentioned but I have to add I didn't grow my hair long until after graduating High School.Really that was my choice as I never felt,as a kid, I couldn't do it but maybe deep down I was afraid.Once out of school I just did it:)Anyway glad you decided to post and hope to see more of you my friend.Cheers
Mark
Thanks for the kind words, Hairball!