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One thing I notice, is that [many] men with short hair seem to resent men that choose to grow their hair -- to the point that they are angry about it. Why?
My theory; is that they were forced to conform (at some point -- probably a young age) to society's views of men's hair. They have given up on the "hair aspect" of individuality a long time ago (or never had it). They fear how they will be perceived by others if they go against the "norm". Most of them don't know what it's like to have long hair. Many of them take the "face value" of the longhair stereotypes that have been perpetuated throughout the years AND they are afraid to go "against the grain" lest they be cast [by society] as a rebel, hippy or drug addict.
Most [well...some] of them don't feel good about themselves. Insulting those that look different than them makes them feel superior [or LESS BAD about themselves]. Perhaps there's even some jealousy involved. Since they were "forced" to conform they resent it -- therefore every male should be made to conform by wearing short hair -- as they had to. It makes them angry [and/or frustrated] that other men don't agree with their [conformist] view of hair length. They just don't understand why anyone would choose to look different than THEM (after all, they are superior right?).
I believe they tend to be shallow. Instead of learning the truth, they would rather base their opinions on preconcieved [and false] notions that society [in general] has provided them. They don't question this; they just accept it as "the way a REAL man's hair should be".
Of course, if you question their logic [or lack thereof] they are unable to provide a legitimate reason for their [flawed] thinking. They don't have any VALID reasons as to why men "must" have short hair -- other than "I have it -- so YOU should too".
I've heard phrases like "curls are for girls" and "keep it short and you'll look like a real man", as well as the ever popular "that's a good [short] haircut choice for any man". I disagree. Those are nothing more than personal opinions. They are NOT my personal opinions. They don't follow any TRUE logic. Instead, they are attempts at imposing someone else's will on those of us that may choose otherwise.
If you have short hair -- that's fine -- that's your choice. However, I choose to have long hair -- that's MY choice. Just don't be surprised when your insults and comments FAIL to change my personal [hair] preference.
A man should be judged by his actions -- not his hair length. Only behavior (NOT looks) describes a real man.
Good day.
I think the insults are just insults. Seeing someone different than themselves is just an excuse to make fun of them.
Most men simply do not want long hair. I do not think there is ANY jealousy there. It isn't the 1950's. Not that there isn't prejudice and abuse out there toward longhairs, but it not hard to find a niche out there for a guy who really, really wants to have long hair. Especially in America.
Nothing stopped you from growing, did it?
Many men do not look good with long hair, which is even more fuel to make fun of them.
If you have long hair and like it, you just have to get use to the abuse. Be cool and enjoy it.
I disagree with your view that most men do not want long hair. There are far too many companies and businesses that dictate how a male should wear his hair...it's unfortunate that most men give into these unfair demands by those who sit behind a desk and enforce their opinions as to what might offend their customers. (The Disney parks are the worst when it comes to dictating an employee's appearance.)
I don't give a damn how long an employee's hair is ... or how many peircings they have just as long as they are attentive to their work.
In my opinion RedRocker was on target with his views.
It isn't I believe, about jealousy. At least, not overtly. It is a resentment of anyone who steps outside the norm. In more oppressive societies, people are encouraged to inform against such eccentrics. How else did the Gestapo succeed, for example? In our supposedly enlightened, liberal democracies, we throw our hands up in horror at such practices. Yet there it is, base tribalism in our own midst - long hair is a minority preference, therefore it must be wrong, perverse, rebellious and to be condemned for being "different." No different to the KVD, Taliban or Gestapo really...
Peer pressure is insidious.
Maybe I think too much ;-)
Hi,
I think that no matter what you do, some people will always be evil.
Friends turn their back on you, when you grow long hair, your parents and family freak out, the whole society is against you.
I think this makes us realise that people are not so loyal and tolerant afterall.
AND the BEST line is:
Wish everyone would follow THAT advice!
Thanx
A good post, and full of sensible arguments.
I have found that many people are frightened to be individuals. They can only feel safe if they conform to what they believe to be 'normal' and from that comes a fear of anybody who is different in any way. To them, different is dangerous. In a sense, they are right, because anybody who chooses to be an individual challenges the worms to turn and they don't like it.
I'm not saying that every shorthair is a worm, but that a high percentage of the population cannot make decisions first hand.