new thread
O.k wait for it, i'm only saying this to be a devils advocate so don't get all heavy with me. But what if I was to say "it's only hair"? I love long hair don't get me wrong and as a gay man (sorry if this offends some of you) but I find long hair really sexy hence the reason I haven't had a haircut in months.
what I want to know is why do people think long hair is a kind of religion? This is not an accusation just an honest to goodness question
Cheers
That is exactly what I've always wondered. (I made a similar post below this one) I love long hair and it looks really good on alot of people (I say alot of people b/c yes I love long hair but the truth is not everyone looks so great with it) but again, to me, it's just hair. There are so many wonderful things in life, to me the most important would be the people I love and care about... now I also love long hair but how can hair possibly compare to this? I mean yea it is obviously a part of you but so are nails, why should they not be worshiped as much? I'm not insulting anyone on this board, I think you guys are great and if anyone tried to take away your right to "worship long hair" I would definately fight for your right to worship it despite my beliefs.
now I also love long hair but how can hair possibly compare to this? I mean yea it is obviously a part of you but so are nails, why should they not be worshiped as much?
My comment
Funny you should bring up the subject of nails. I also happen to like long nails.. adorned with black nail polish once in a while. As I previously mentioned, I also like the long hairy wool of mohair and angora sweaters, long scarfs, long coats... Strange isn't it? To me, this all seems to go together.
Take a peek at my Nails pics (taken last July).
Although we like to use the expression "It's a religion," I think what people really mean is we have a very strong like/dislike regarding the topic at hand. For example, people identify themselves as being a Democrat or a Republican, a Packer fan (here in WI), or "I'll only drive a _______ (fill in the make of car), etc. For whatever reason, we've developed a strong identification with that "thing", so we have developed a strong affection for/connection to it. With long hair, it's the way it looks on us or others, the way it feels, how others react to it, etc., etc. I think everyone has his/her own issues that he/she is "religious" about; one of ours happens to be long hair.
Tarn,
I am in Wisconsin also and a huge Packer fan myself. Where in WI are you? Just curious.
Chris
Because for a man to have long hair in today's world. One sometimes needs healthy doses of determination and faith. Also, like many religions, we must choose between what we believe and what society tells us to do. But, unlike most religions. Having the courage and doggedness to become a longhair is about belief in oneself!
It has always been easier to destroy than it has been to create something. The growing of one's hair is such an arduous process that anyone (man or woman) who undertakes such a task inevitably becomes very attached to their hair. It's like planting a few bland, ordinary seeds in the ground, and watching them slowly grow and blossom into something that is utterly beautiful. You don't want to see it destroyed, so you do everything in your power to nourish and protect it.
To that end, the word 'religion' is used more as the simplest, most concise way to describe the dedication one has made to keeping their hair long. We don't worship our hair, rather we care very deeply for what it has become. A long, beautiful mane that is uniquely our own.
nt
Very well said.
Good post.
On some days the way I perceive my hair is that it is "only hair", but on other days I see it as one huge metaphor for life. Growing my hair has brought many unforeseen rewards. When I started growing on my 16th birthday three years ago, going through the awkward stage slowly removed the ridiculous self-consciousness I had about the way I look.
The process of growing my hair has taught me endurance, patience, and tolerance. I witness living evidence of how force does not outdo gentle effort (as in untangling knots) and I'm reminded of how the most gradual, sustained growth can completely alter your image.
Perhaps the greatest lesson of all is how futile it is to try and obsessively cling to anything. If I go bald I have to let it go, if I have my hair forcefully shaven I have to let it go, and when I die I have to let it all go.
I don't think that too many people do view it as a religion...but I do!
What is religion? Ask people and you will get different definitions.
In a time where short hair on men is the "norm", growing your hair is a choice (though natural) which takes dedication. It would probably be more accurate to say it's "religion-like" but then again there is no standards committee that is going to come down on you for calling your personal hair beliefs a religion.
It is just hair...so why not grow it if you want?
people get defensive about things they like, especially if they feel they're under attack, its human nature. personally, i think i look tons better with long hair, but some guys look better with short hair, and some chicks look good with short hair too. depends on the person.