new thread
There has been a lot of discussion on the tendency of makeover shows to chop off a guy's long hair. I have a theory about this that doesn't involve any latent hair-hating on the part of the makeover show producers. It has to do with selection of a suitable makeover candidate. None of us would qualify because we already care about and maintain our appearance. To be successful the show requires a guy who *really* needs a makeover. A guy who could just use some fashion advice but otherwise turns himself out respectably would *not* be suitable for a makeover show. They are looking for a guy with yellow teeth, a unibrow, bad skin, holes in his underwear, mismatched socks, and a pants wardrobe that consists of five well-worn pairs of "Tribal" jeans. If he has long, unkempt hair that is all the better. This ideal candidate is not a "long hair". He is a walking disaster whose wardrobe and hair have succumbed to apathy. His hair is long because he is too lazy to cut it. He no more cares for his hair than he cares for any other aspect of his appearance (hence the need for a dramatic makeover). The strategy of the makeover show is to pick a guy who doesn't care about his appearance and make him look and smell good for one day. They typically chop off the guy's hair because the nature of the selection process produces candidates that have long, irrepairably damaged hair. What do you think?
There are guys on this board who definately need a make-over (and an equal number who do not in my opinion). However, the overwhelming theme here is never, ever cut your hair and it does not matter how you look or are perceived, but how you "feel".
I agree with this theory to a point.
What isn't cool is the double standard. Some folk say they do not care what others think of them and their long hair, but they certainly have opinions about short hair and people "conforming". It isn't always about conformity, but about comfort, practicality and what looks good on the individual.
This is just an experiment to see if this message will appear on the main board. It is in reply to a message that is not on the board but does, in fact, still exist.
I have seen a few exceptions, on the Maury Povitch show. About a year ago there was this one construction worker, who had his insanely, gorgeous, butt-length hair chopped off. His elementary school-age daughter had benn embarassed, of being seen with him at school. His wife, in the audience, not happy with the act on the show, was in tears. His ponytail was so thick, there was a bit of a struggle with the scissors. He ended up with some really, awful cut.
Now that's just awful. I mean, you should do everything for your kids, but that's crossing the line, man. What a waste of hair...and at that length it will takes years to grow it back. I don't think men should cut their hair just because their family wants them to. It seems to be a source of family embarrassment.
At orientation for college last year, we sat with a woman who seemed nice enough. My dad asked who her child was, and she said "Oh that's easy. He's got the longest hair in the school!" Truthfully, it isn't ridiculously long, it's like mine, near waist length. And it's beautiful, he really takes care of it. It's not like it's a rat's nest or anything. What's the big deal? She also went on to say that she and his other family members hopes he'll cut it one day. I resolved to kill him if he does ^_^
No one should make you do anything that lowers your self esteem and makes you feel a sense of loss, especially not your family. It's your body, you should be able to do what you want with it. I have an eyebrow piercing, and my family doesn't love me any less for it. You can bet that my boys will have long hair! (when I have children in like 20 years)
'K I'm done. ^_^ ~Jenn
It's more dramatic to make a big change. Notice that they are not making over people who are models.
It is, however, done to someone else's ideals which just becomes pathetic. Even though you may maintain your hair well it would still be material they could use because it would be a drastic change and you already don't conform to their ideals.