Greg Woodruff | Staff Writer

1/25/02

In this country, we are shunned for judging people by their race, religion, sexual preference, or ethnic background. However, we all know that these kind of things still go on today and not only are people judged for those things, but there are many more things that people are judged by. One of the many things that people are judged by is the length of their hair, depending on their gender.

Many people believe that guys are supposed to have short hair and women are supposed to have long hair. Although, these days we can find women with short hair and guys with long hair. I am one of those long-haired guys. I have always wanted long hair and I don't know why.

When I was a kid, I wanted to grow my hair out but my parents wouldn't let me. They probably made me keep my hair short because that's the way they were brought up. Of course, being an Army brat didn't help me get the beautiful locks that I have now. Luckily, when I got much older and independent, I was able to grow my hair out but my dilemma didn't end here.

Before I came to RU, people always annoyed me about getting my hair cut. It was so annoying that I would cut it just make everyone shut up about it. These days, I get more compliments about it than I ever did when it was short. In fact, many ladies tell me that they're jealous because my hair is longer and more beautiful than theirs. I find that amazing because I don't do anything special. I just shampoo, condition, and brush it.

Even though I get a lot of compliments, I still get some gripes. Most of my family tells me that what matters is that my hair is nice, clean, and it's natural color. However, my girlfriend still tells me that I should get it cut. Even though I may have long, beautiful hair, people still tell me that I look better with short hair (I disagree of course).

Recently I've realized that I need to get a job. Because of this, people are telling me that I need to cut my hair before I even apply for one. I find this to be absurd. I know that the military makes guys get crew cuts, but I'm not trying to get a job with the military. To me, that is stupid, however I have read some things about it that do make sense. I've read that they want guys to keep their hair short so that it will be clean and sanitary and also so that it doesn't get in the way when they're in combat.

I can also understand having short hair in the food industry, but those with long hair usually wear hats or hair nets or they tie their hair back. But I am not looking for a job in the food industry either.

I would love to have a job at a gaming store such as Software Etc. However, I am still told that I should cut my hair. Now that is what doesn't make any sense to me. Why should I have to cut my hair to work in a gaming store?

Sometimes I feel like giving in and living up to the social norms that I'm faced with but I refuse to give in. Even though my hair has been getting on my nerves, I refuse to get it cut short. I'd much rather just get a trim.