new thread
I recently returned from a trip that lasted basically a fortnight. Most of that time was in very hot temperatures and absolutely blazing sun. I wore an Akubra (which, to be frank, is vastly superior to the Stetsons I've worn in every way except the factor of machismo) but my hair is still recovering from the knots and the dust and the poor-quality product I packed. Therefore this post is not about me; at least not in purpose.
Returning from this trip our group was unable to fly directly to the states. So we had to travel to Germany, and then JFK airport. And since the flights were on layaway we were able to spend about twelve hours exploring Frankfurt.
In the short time I was there I discerned that there seem to be three standards of public etiquette there. First is the typical yuppie, wearing designer threads when strolling and synthetic, brightly dyed garbage when exercising. Next are the old-schoolers, as I saw many a paperboy cap and waistcoat, and many respectable beards. Finally there were longhairs, and boy, were there! I wanted to get pictures but I was out of batteries for the camera; even so, Germany is most definitely a very tolerant place for longhairs to visit. I should hope it's not in backlash from the Skinhead movement.
Everyone knows places like Sweden and Norway tolerate and even appreciate long hair. But where have you gone, be it across the border of a country or just a state, that really made you feel at home at least in terms of your appearance?
Honestly, I've never had a problem with anyone, anywhere saying anything about my hair. I'm not an imposing figure, nor am I feminine.
I now have waist-length hair and live in the South (US). I've travelled to both coasts and all over between, and to Europe once. My job is in a professional environment, and not one quip over the years.
I think perhaps we can be a bit too sensitive over other's perception of our hair??? After my first awkward stage, I have never given a you-know-what...I honestly think very, VERY few people take the time to consider what our hair looks like. : )
I agree that Sweden is one of the most tolerant and appreciative countries where long hair is concerned. Hair just past the shoulders is actually considered the norm for teenage and early 20 age guys in Sweden. Unfortunately, even there a stigma around long hair in the workplace seems to exist, because every buisnessman I saw in Stockholm and on the news had short-cropped hair.
Another country I've visited where my appearance was very well-received was Japan. The culture (at least in Tokyo) is open to allowing guys a wide variety of options regarding personal style, so although I saw very few guys with long hair there, mine was never stigmatised. The Japanese are very fond of a youthful, androgynous look for young guys, so I was considered very fashionable there.
On the flip side, a country that is very intolerant of any deviation from societal norms is Spain. One of the times I studied in Spain I lived with a host family who had a teenage son who wanted to grow his hair out. The poor guy had to endure insults, criticism, and demands that he get his hair cut at least twice a day from his mother, and his father and sister didn't usually hesitate to express their discontent with his style either. The family was less critical of my hair because they knew that they had less power to dictate my personal choices, but they nevertheless found fault with just about everything I did, from what I ate to what I wore. The other times I studied in Spain the criticism from the host families was not as extreme, but it was still frequent. I am very glad I am now fluent in Spanish so I never have to return to that country again.
Never had any problems in Spain, but then I don't speak Spanish so I wouldn't know what they were saying about me, LOL! They are always very courteous and polite, though. I like the Spanish people.