new thread
Does anyone actually feel more masculine with long hair, I originally wanted to grow hair just to below shoulder but I feel more confident the longer my hair is and can't wait until it hits waist length. I wear it all one length and it is chest length
Your thoughts?
This seems to be something we all experience differently, and what we consider as being masculine. My own feeling is that we need to be ourselves, and indulgence in something "feminine" can be a good thing sometimes, even if just in private. Most people here are masculine according to their own ways of life. Just let the hair grow and live day by day. It feels intimidating at first, but what you describe about yourself seems to indicate that you have been growing for 2 to 3 years. Just be yourself and don't worry.
Anthony
Hmmm, interesting question...
Well, I definitely feel more CONFIDENT having long hair, rather than short -- and confidence is often thought of as a "masculine" quality. So in that way, the answer is probably yes (at least I can say for sure that I do NOT feel one bit "feminine" because of having long hair).
- Ken
From what I've read, it seems that until fairly recently in human history males grew long hair as a sign of power and authority and warriors who were defeated in battle often had their hair cut short as a sign of servitude, weakness, and humiliation.
I think that what is considered "masculine" is driven by culture and can change over time or vary depending on the particular culture in which one lives. Personally, I do not feel any more or less masculine as my hair grows longer, although I do feel more special or unique, since most men these days do not have long hair.
I think what is most important is that we do things that make us feel good about ourselves and others. I hope that someday all this enculturation that we are subjected to growing up will fade away as people become more accepting of others who are different from them. We must get rid of this tribal mentality that is still so prevalent in the world today.
OK, I'll get off my soapbox now.
No? I feel more me with long hair. It makes me happy.
Also, I can feel more feminine with long hair, but that doesn't make me feel less masculine either. When I have suffered defeats or setbacks I've never been tempted to cut my hair... It isn't really a part of my gender identity or expression.
I suppose I've never bought into or been trained into stereotypical gendered behaviors and expressions...and am pretty solidly secure about what and who I am...what other people think is not all that important to me.
IMO, masculinity is the expression of that particular set of characteristics of being a "male." Being "Masculine" may entail being more outward directed and related to physical strength. Plus, guys tend to have less shame in producing flatulating noises and get a smile out of it :).
Masculinity expresses the intellectual-self and femininity leans toward the emotional-self. I don't feel more masculine with long hair. Although, I feel it's more natural (based on personal preferences). Plus having long hair kicks major ass!
I don't think it really matters much whether you feel more masculine or feminine, or that it has much to do with hair anyway. I grew long hair initially when it was fashionable to wear it long but simultaneously a major battle with society. I went through too much to ever cut it because of what anyone thinks.
Some people wear their hair a certain length to project a certain image, but that isn't necessarily anything to do with gender or the secondary characteristics of their gender. Of course, it may be, but it doesn't have to be.
OTOH, if the question was am I an aging hippie, that may not be so far from the mark. I prefer the term 'freak', but you probably have to be of a certain age to even understand the distinction between a freak and a hippie.
I certainly feel more manly and masculine with longer hair.
And more empowered too. With short hair it made me feel a bit emasculated and a school boy. Now it is longer I feel more complete and Conan the Barbarian was one of my early inspirations. I am seeing more and more long hair in the mainstream where I live. About half of long hair guys are men who are past 50 and in my area I have seen quite a few men in their 70's and beyond with ponytails and freak flags. The other half are guys under 30.
Duncan