Hair & False Impressions

Hi there. I was wondering if anyone out there had any particularly glaring examples of people judging them by their hair styles. For example, back in college some people couldn't accept I was a feminist because I had long hair. Maybe they thought I was a slave to fashion, or trying to please men or something; actually I just like long hair. Has anyone else had similar experiences being judged by your cut, length, or colour of hair? Just curious.Kim

Hi, Kim!Welcome to Hair Boutique and Hair Politics! I hope that you will visit often and feel comfortable in voicing your opinions.I liked the question very much. I think so many of the questions posted here have your question in one form or another.It's interesting that people thought erroneously that your long hair indicated anti-feminism. I guess some people think that you have to look like a cropped female to be feminist. Simply ridiculous!I could write a pile here about your question, but I'll just drop a few notes.One of the false impressions that I've gotten with longer hair is that people sometimes think I'm radical in some way.I guess this notion is a throwback to the 1960's when America's youth started growing their locks as rebellion. Together with this, I think what may have reinforced the notion was that I have known and do know a ton of musicians, mostly hard rock and alternative bands. Basically, I would say that I am fairly liberal on social issues and conservative when it comes to finances. I used to manage a rock band, and sometimes the club managers would be shocked when I opened my mouth about the band's percentages, contracts and the like. I used to say to myself that some of these folks make some wild assumptions just because a person has long hair. You can definitely have long hair, wear jeans and leather, be a child of God and have good brain to get you through life. Oh, yea, and believe in equality between the sexes:)With the rock band, it was kind of funny with some of the musicians. I'll never forget showing up to apply for the job. I knew one of the band members and he recommended that I apply because he said I could make the band some money and earn some money of my own. I remember saying that I wasn't into the drugs, drinking and wild partying, but only the music and some semblance of fairness, especially when it came to money, for musicians. They thought that was good and they liked the hair, too. The hair and the music were about all we had in common upon meeting:) Unlike the general population, I was always curious that somehow these musicians saw past the long hair and it was definitely not an open ticket to manage.Bye for now,Jade21Hi there. I was wondering if anyone out there had any> particularly glaring examples of people judging them> by their hair styles. For example, back in college> some people couldn't accept I was a feminist because I> had long hair. Maybe they thought I was a slave to> fashion, or trying to please men or something;> actually I just like long hair. Has anyone else had> similar experiences being judged by your cut, length,> or colour of hair? Just curious.> Kim

Cindie,Ii don't have kids but I understand about being left out of things.I have longe blonde hair too, down to my derriere, and although I always get wonderful compliments on it, from both men and women, there has also been that feeling of not being included with the more-I'm just going to say it-dowdy types. I personally think it's because they are either jealous or threatened or both. Right now I'm living in France, but this would happen a lot from the small town I was from back in America.Also, very occasionally I would have someone say that they don't want long hair because it's too much to take care of which to me is a dig towards me-but also a very obviously envious remark. Since I know how jealous women can get, I don't pay any mind and just take as a compliment just as i do the outright compliments.Keep on keeping that long hair, and don't let anyone sway you otherwise!By the way, if you think women are "excluding" where you're at, try living in France! :)) It's twenty times worse over here, because the women are even more that way-even the ones who have long hair. My Husband says that they are not very confident in themselves, and it shows. Of course, with the way the men are over here, maybe I can see why! L.O.L.Holly

> it is (quite rightly) unacceptable in most circles to> stereotype people based on skin colour, so why is it> all right to stereotype based on hair colour?.......> maybe there are some directed at blond men, but I sure> haven't heard any.No, for men it is more of the "bald jokes", or "thinning hair jokes", etc.Since many studies have shown that balding men have a harder time getting promoted, etc, I wonder when the federal government will make balding men a "protected catagory" under the civil rights laws, who can then sue for discriminaion just like people of color or women?Just because a man is "folicularly challenged" doesn't mean that he should be discriminated against.Z.