new thread
Well, after getting to this page from the Women's site, I must say, I have truly found my tribe! I am a college senior (as of next semester) and have nearly mid-back hair. I think my mother secretly hates it, but knows she'll get an earful if she gives me any grief. I keep hearing all these horror stories about bad jobs and such, and will say now that I officially ban Blockbuster! I had no idea this was going on, otherwise I would've never rented "Liar Liar" from them! I myself vow to survive, despite the "real-world" warnings my mother keeps giving me. One good place that I have found is Kinko's (belive it or not). There's one guy in there who wears a dark, wavy ponytail and no one gives him any flack. I suppose, since I'm a graphic design major, I should try there (have to make a resume first). I must say I am very inspired and incouraged by the men who's hair-stories I've read. Many times, I've felt kind of "alone" and like I didn't fit in, wishing I was born an Indian or a woman. I'm running out of room;
Ah, there we go. Sorry about the previous post ending! I'm in a text-based browser right now, and my text-lines ran out. Anyway, yeah, I used to feel "out", like John "the savage" in Brave New World, but reading your posts has made me more confident. I hope to be able to get an internship with a fairly non-corporate graphic company, fingers-crossed. The jobs I have had include landscaping, cleaning, and note-taking for the hard-of-hearing (at the university I attend). I think our society can blame the whole "males must have short hair" stigma on the Roman army, who made it their norm. I really find it ironic, too, that these conservative types are serious Christians but then shun men with long hair. Think about it. And what about the founding fathers? They had flair! Anyway, I've really rambled on. I really just wanted to say hello to all. Who knows, maybe I'll find myself a girl this semester with nice, silky hair and we can take care of each other's hair needs!
i threw out my lackluster video card. good luck finding an open-minded place to pursue your career. being in graphic design, you might have better luck than most. i have been quite fortunate; the only thing i've heard about my (approaching waist length) hair is that wearing it out is a safety concern, understandable... as i work setting up and operating cutting & printing presses- exposed and running print rolls and knives; so i keep mine tied back and inside my shirt.
you're going to encounter prejudice... you may have a hard time finding a job. the best thing for you to do is to prove yourself a valuable asset. i nearly left my full time job to accept a position elsewhere; they responded by offering me a substantial raise. my supervisor told me that he doesn't think he'd find anyone who worked like me if he hired 10. i think i overcame the longhair stigma.
my point is that if you apply yourself at your career... work diligently and hard... you should be able to overcome some of the stigma out there; whether it's the result of the roman army's norms or a product of our own unwillingness to accept that there are wierd and different things out there that will not threaten or hurt us.
your mom only wants the best for you and sees your hair as an unnecessary obstacle- be patient with her, she loves you- her silence on the issue may mean she's trying to give you space to be yourself. the implicit conflict with her (concerning your hair) is one of many character tests you'll experience as a longhair. all that matters is that you are secure with who you are. well, that's my 2¢ worth.
good luck and God bless
j
Welcome to your tribe John!
A few months ago we had a couple of threads on here in line with what you have been saying. They were about how some of us have a very strong "longhair identity" and about how we weigh the compelling needs of such against pressures from other people regarding things such as jobs.
Bill
Sorry I called you John, Chris. One can get mixed up on here. ;-)
Bill
No problem! Maybe "John" can be my nickname ;-) ! But seriously, no offense. I checked out your webpage, and I really identify with it! I sent you an email about it. I'm definately the #2 profile (identity)! Most people just think I'm stubborn, I guess. Perhaps they should read your page...