new thread
I was at the salon last night getting my hair done and the subject of men with long hair came up. There were about a dozen other women in the salon besides myself. Everyone was throwing there opinions about men with long hair when I spoke up.
I told them hair length really shouldn't matter. People make too big of a deal over what length of hair a man can have that is considered "appropriate" for certain jobs or even life in general. If his hair is long he will be asked to cut it or not be hired but yet a woman is NEVER asked to cut her hair or grow it long for a job. There are a ton of laws out there about discrimination but if you ask me not hiring a man based on the length of his hair and not his qualifications is discrimination. They however get away with it by calling it "managers discretion"
After my little rant everyone got quiet for a minute and it was like you could see the light coming on for them. They suddenly realized I was right. Walking into that salon I was the only woman there who appreciates and accepts a man with long hair but when I walked out I left a few new supporters behind.
Speaking your mind can make a difference. I know me speaking mine did last night even if only to a few people. As my grandma used to say it only takes one snowflake to start a snow storm. Guys keep being yourselves and stay proud of your long hair. You have just as much right to it as any woman!
Thank you , Jessica! Thank you so very much!
we definitely NEED more women like you to speak up instead of going along with the accepted norm!
Yes Jessica, Thank you. Keep speaking your mind. Your are totally right in your views.
peace, jonalbear
All my life, I wanted long hair, but always ran head-on with authority figures who said I "couldn't do that" for one reason or another. School personnel told us it was against school policy and you'd be suspended, bosses or new employers would either fire you or not hire at all, parents gave you the who speech about how as long as you're under my roof, etc., etc. After awhile, I got tired of fighting.
Three years ago, I was talking with my wife and she said it plainly: That it was way past time to do what I wanted to do. She even went so far as to tell me that really long hair is not her favorite, but that she wanted me to go for it because it's what I always wanted and that she loves me, so that's what she wants, too.
Since that time, my attitude has grizzled and risen up several times in defense of my hair and the way I wear it. Now, when people verbally ob ject, they see me letting them know that their opinion doesn't count, as far as I'm concerned.
I'm happier with myself than I've ever been.
Steve
Jessica, thank you so much for your help. Write me on my personal email and I may send you a complimentary copy of my book, Our LONG HAIRitage, which I am actively marketing now to help this unjustified fight against male hair. If I do so I would only ask that you tell others about the book, etc.
Our LONG HAIRitage
I can not email you directly as I am not considered a regular member
Thanks for your support, Jessica. I, too, faced parents (in the 60's and 70's) who did not let me grow it until I rebelled in college. I got my Ph.D. and became a professor, where looks are not really considered--only your performance at your work (teaching, research, service). I think it helps me relate to my students as well. But, the big point is that appearance diversity is accepted in academe, where, well, you are surrounded by educated people who understand what is important and what is not. Maybe our real problem is educating people, which is exactly what you did. Thanks again.
Lack of correct information and a certain level of education and understanding has always been (and still is) a major factor in discrimination of all kinds.