tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29373297.post2405171109445626462..comments2024-03-23T18:50:32.902-04:00Comments on Telling Secrets: The Politics and Sexuality of HairElizabeth Kaetonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06787552280232329081noreply@blogger.comBlogger23125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29373297.post-87059656910889829532011-01-02T20:17:41.236-05:002011-01-02T20:17:41.236-05:00JCF - Well, darlin', Muhammad IS a biblical ch...JCF - Well, darlin', Muhammad IS a biblical character - just not in the Christian bible. And, the Q'uran says that Muhammad had Very Long Hair.<br /><br />Hair is so private - and so politicalElizabeth Kaetonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06787552280232329081noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29373297.post-91046210813549520102011-01-01T19:39:37.189-05:002011-01-01T19:39:37.189-05:00[Elizabeth, this has me scratching my (too hairy) ...[Elizabeth, this has me scratching my (too hairy) head:<br /><br /><i>For that matter, many biblical characters, including Muhammad, all have long hair.</i><br /><br />Because 1) Muhammad, obviously, isn't a "biblical character", and 2) Muhammad is NEVER depicted, so how would we know? (Is PBUH's hair length mentioned in the Q'uran or Hadith? O_o)]<br /><br /><br />Oy vey: hair. A sore subject.<br /><br />Living, as I do, in the gender middle (or muddle! ;-/), my hair is never NOT a conscious choice.<br /><br />I developed a way (see avatar, roughly) that *I* like it (very much!) . . . but it seems that no one I *know* does (compliments from strangers, occasionally). Now, I live w/ "someone I know" (my father). Hence, his distaste for my hair is something I can't just ignore.<br /><br />Hence: "a sore subject". <br /><br />[JCF, <b>desperately</b> wanting to clip!!! }:-0]JCFhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14516376500318551838noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29373297.post-76256603984870631582010-12-31T08:27:13.390-05:002010-12-31T08:27:13.390-05:00Fascinating: who'd have thought it? Blogging i...Fascinating: who'd have thought it? Blogging is, indeed, an education!"Sir"https://www.blogger.com/profile/03459619874470824848noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29373297.post-74707211975395511322010-12-30T23:53:33.103-05:002010-12-30T23:53:33.103-05:00All I remember about Hair was a bunch of naked hip...All I remember about Hair was a bunch of naked hippies. I know it was political and stuff, but I was like 14 so all I saw was naked hippies.MarkBrunsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16971990948866488080noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29373297.post-35337525933490112202010-12-30T21:14:50.063-05:002010-12-30T21:14:50.063-05:00There is a great article called A Hair Piece. I c...There is a great article called A Hair Piece. I cannot recall where it appeared but it was written by an African American woman law professor. She talked about how regal she felt at home when she decided to have an Afro but how bad she felt at the end of the day after all the derisive looks and comments she got. Angela Davis made a similar point years ago. The article also talks about a lawsuit against one of the airlines (United I think) that forbade its flight attendants from wearing corn rows. The question in the lawsuit was whether this was racially discriminatory. United claimed it was not because the policy also forbade white women from wearing corn rows. Can you believe it? That was their argument. Fortunately the judge recognized that few white women wear their hair in corn rows so the policy was motivated by racial animus.Matthewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16855171851801011788noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29373297.post-10511946736283715432010-12-30T20:02:13.693-05:002010-12-30T20:02:13.693-05:00"Going gray" is a problem in the work en..."Going gray" is a problem in the work environment, unless one is privileged (works for self, has hard-to-find and necessary skill, is protected by boss). In many or most workplaces, gray hair is often seen as a sign that the owner of the hair is "deadwood" or "costs too much" (if not the boss). Ageism is very common in the workplace. Only top executives are somewhat exempt.NancyPnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29373297.post-89733409868779471162010-12-30T19:56:07.201-05:002010-12-30T19:56:07.201-05:00Really excellent, Elizabeth! However, I am puzzle...Really excellent, Elizabeth! However, I am puzzled at the notion that hairstyle can be changed. What?<br /><br />Attending a little, conservative school in the 70s, I was once hauled in to see the school board president (Why not the principal, I do not know.) because my hair had grown just over the top of my ears. Of course, I was reminded that long hair on men is an abomination and reveals homosexual tendencies. Since that had nothing to do with my sexual attraction, I thought that was funny. My appealing to Benjamin Franklin, a notorious womanizer, gained me no points. I was rather upset by being called on the carpet about something that I thought was so irrelevant.<br /><br />No at mid-life, my follicular DNA is at war right at the edge of my receding hairline. Neither side of the family grays, but the paternal genetic stuff says, "You don't need no stinkin' hair!" So, every hair I retain is as dark as it was as back in the day, just not so many of them. I am now I'm beginning to experience the frustration my mother experienced into her 70s when streaks of gray began to appear. People assume that I dye my hair and are beginning to comment on it. Now, I have nothing against those who do color their hair, but I don't. The assumption amuses me, but there are people who clearly do not believe my denial, smilingly knowingly at my protests. I must come across as a vain little man and probably should work on that.KJhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15701224049914946896noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29373297.post-43255904067998519772010-12-30T17:17:34.794-05:002010-12-30T17:17:34.794-05:00I remember my (nearly black) hair so I guess I do ...I remember my (nearly black) hair so I guess I do not yet have Alzheimer's. Having had a conversation with a woman who was told she could not be a lesbian because she had long hair, I guess I have to concede that we have a lot of politics and social conditioning involved in our hair. <br /><br />Just for fun consider the issue over time of beard or no beard! When in WWI the lice in the trenches led to what we now think of as the US 'military hair cut' our politics changed to include clean shaven as patriotic.<br /><br />FWIW<br />jimBJimBhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17312606954135884910noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29373297.post-12482351568405192802010-12-30T16:13:29.112-05:002010-12-30T16:13:29.112-05:00macrame plant hangers?
and a blessed new year to...macrame plant hangers? <br /><br />and a blessed new year to ye, Elizabeth.Martha Blacklocknoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29373297.post-34382408923977325422010-12-30T14:53:30.028-05:002010-12-30T14:53:30.028-05:00What a neat reflection, and one I identify with. I...What a neat reflection, and one I identify with. I've worn my hair every which way long short, short with a skunk stripe, currently mid-length with the ends bleached blonde. I once (15 or so years ago) wrote a story where a character cut off her hair at a symbolic moment and when I ran it past my male editor he didn't get it. I ended up changing the story but that was one of the first times I realized that not everyone sees the symbology of hair the same way.kehfhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10454515125572637788noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29373297.post-19354664870483585102010-12-30T12:05:38.307-05:002010-12-30T12:05:38.307-05:00Wonderful essay, Elizabeth. Yup. I remember those ...Wonderful essay, Elizabeth. Yup. I remember those beauty shops and I felt very grown up when I went BY MYSELF for the first time! (I think I was about ten.)<br /><br />Lots to think about here.Ellie Finlayhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05807252889442220449noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29373297.post-21067839906307203472010-12-30T11:27:25.567-05:002010-12-30T11:27:25.567-05:00Great post, Elizabeth. What we do with hair has a...Great post, Elizabeth. What we do with hair has always been a powerful social factor and quite fascinating. I have some coworkers with stunning long hair and I relish the esthetics of it every time I see them. I have managed to compliment them on their beautiful hair without crossing PC boundaries, probably because they know I'm not a straight man hitting on them. Ways of handling hair can be powerful aphrodisiacs to beholders, or powerful turn-offs, sources of awe at beauty, or of humor, or puzzlement.<br /><br />Thanks for ringing changes on the theme.<br /><br />(I cut my own, clippers on #1.)Paulhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06090720645937634051noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29373297.post-85456256787315551912010-12-30T10:32:34.918-05:002010-12-30T10:32:34.918-05:00This is really a wonderful reflection. I remember ...This is really a wonderful reflection. I remember the "tissue on head with bobby pin" days. And how controversial it was when we were freed from hats in church (sort of as big a deal as some of our current controversies). Professor Melissa Harris-Lacewell was on Rachel Maddow talking about the inauguration - and Maddow asked her what Michelle would be worried about and Harris-Lacewell quipped- "rain" -- and then they talked about the hair issue - from both of their points of view -- The Chris Rock movie is fascinating and sad to me.Annhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07287169546184325690noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29373297.post-62186888453202754822010-12-30T10:29:06.902-05:002010-12-30T10:29:06.902-05:00This is my first visit here(I am an old friend of ...This is my first visit here(I am an old friend of Jonathan(aka Madpriest) from a very long way back) but blogspot will never let me post with my wordpress account, hence having to go anon.<br />I had my hair cropped short as a child, largely because I was convinced for years there had bee a mistake and I would suddenly become a boy. Somewhere between 9 and 14, I came to terms with being female(onset of menarche tends to be convincing) and at 14, for the first time was annoyed that I was mistaken for a boy. So that was the point I started growing it. Apart from trims, it's been long ever since. Now if I sit on a squidgy sort of sofa, the people on either side of me sit on my hair too.<br />Not at all sure what it says about me, but one of my students on leaving demanded to take a photo of my hair. She has since said she misses my hair!!!<br />Thanks for such a lovely trawl through hair and its politics.<br />best wishes,<br />Viv<br />http://zenandtheartoftightropewalking.wordpress.comAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29373297.post-87582879762261191942010-12-30T09:51:58.564-05:002010-12-30T09:51:58.564-05:00Well, that's quite a theological statement abo...Well, that's quite a theological statement about hair, Pseudo. I think you may find yourself in good company - and, lots of it. Around the world.Elizabeth Kaetonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06787552280232329081noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29373297.post-22796796308424840012010-12-30T09:21:59.783-05:002010-12-30T09:21:59.783-05:00So if a lesbian doesn't have one of the author...So if a lesbian doesn't have one of the authorized haircuts, do they take away her membership?Paul Powershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04833212693999583069noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29373297.post-83176750988545743522010-12-30T09:20:25.474-05:002010-12-30T09:20:25.474-05:00I don't consider my baldness sexy. My hair is...I don't consider my baldness sexy. My hair is the only thing I really like about myself. I consider the baldness Godde's way of keeping me humble and my priorities in order.PseudoPiskiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12070541512355253553noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29373297.post-5946452332805565842010-12-30T09:01:26.216-05:002010-12-30T09:01:26.216-05:00Ah, Mark. Even baldness - and good natured humor a...Ah, Mark. Even baldness - and good natured humor about baldness - is its own political statement.<br /><br />It's also very sexy. Just ask Mimi.Elizabeth Kaetonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06787552280232329081noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29373297.post-39248057392884291572010-12-30T07:40:09.097-05:002010-12-30T07:40:09.097-05:00We in the "follically challenged community&qu...We in the "follically challenged community" simply slunk into our appointed chair every eight weeks and say "mow the lawn, #3 clippers please"<br /><br />But I get your point ... <br />Fondly,<br />Mark of the holy tonsure +Mark Delcuzehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09709024117871400692noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29373297.post-51824712626877122572010-12-29T22:17:58.640-05:002010-12-29T22:17:58.640-05:00Joanna - that's for the tip. I'll try to c...Joanna - that's for the tip. I'll try to catch it on replay or in the archives. I love "Tell Me More". It's a great NPR show.Elizabeth Kaetonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06787552280232329081noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29373297.post-27934788672974167972010-12-29T22:17:06.470-05:002010-12-29T22:17:06.470-05:00Kirke - I didn't even think about the signific...Kirke - I didn't even think about the significance of gray hair. That's a very funny story about your mom.Elizabeth Kaetonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06787552280232329081noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29373297.post-61704383235445430142010-12-29T21:27:51.152-05:002010-12-29T21:27:51.152-05:00Elizabeth - right now (9:25pm) on www.wnyc.org on ...Elizabeth - right now (9:25pm) on www.wnyc.org on the segment called 'Tell Me More' there is a discussion on hair .... VERY INTERESTING! Check it out - it can stream online.Joanna Depuehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17363504078115199117noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29373297.post-1451350843161252452010-12-29T19:47:44.536-05:002010-12-29T19:47:44.536-05:00What I find amazing is so few of those of us in th...What I find amazing is so few of those of us in the XX chromosome crowd go gray from the get-go--the six authorized lesbian haircuts notwithstanding. I am willing to bet the percentage of "Women who have never covered their gray" is in the single digits.<br /><br />I still laugh that my mom gets mad at me for being au natural with my gray hair. "People look at you and then they know I color my hair," she says.Kirkepiscatoidhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02651684515435040529noreply@blogger.com