We found the submission by this BU commenter to be precise and insightful to the ‘hair’ debate. While most commenters have remained married to facil positions about freedom of expression etcetera, Yardbroom has successfully in our view encapsulated the debate of ‘non-traditional’ hairstyles in a deeper context-David
Submitted by: Yardroom
In most countries, the standards which are accepted or expected of those who lead us, or in responsible positions can vary. This is because culture, race, religion and history determine what is acceptable. In a free society we can do almost anything, providing it is within the law, but common sense tells us that to have an ordered society some things are better not done, if they would make us subject to ridicule, or cause annoyance or discomfort to others. It is that element of individual self-control which gives order to the society which we are a part of.
To state that a person’s hairstyle has no impact on his/her intellectual ability is so obvious that it is not worth stating … that is not an issue. In most societies, certain modes of behaviour and dress are expected from people in significant positions, does that mean their dress has a bearing on their professional ability? often it does not, but habit and custom influences the way we perceive things, to suggest otherwise is not being honest. If our Governor General decided to carry out his official duties, suitably adorned with shoulder length dred locks, contemplate that for awhile… what would be the impact on the population and other officials, national and foreign with whom he meets at official functions.
There are those who would argue it would not matter, perhaps it would not. I raise this scenario only for us to contemplate seriously the logic of what what we say, when we suggest that hairstyles or appearance do not matter as regards our ability to satisfactorily perform our duties. The hair style has no mental impact on our ability, but the way we are perceived influences society in its perception of us, if it did not, there would be no need for this discussion. Some commenters here, have referred to other important figures of previous centuries, stating they had long hair etc that is no argument unless the “norm” of that specific historical period was other than long hair.
I am also at a loss, as to why some people think that to be old or above a certain age is not to know, or renders a person unable to understand, that line of argument has no more validity than to suggest that the youth of today are ignorant of all things and their feelings and way of life are of no account.
Good manners, taste, respect for others and self -worth are what most of us strive for, it is the ability to determine what those things are in the society of which we are a part, which determines how much or how little we have learned from our life experiences.
When the question is posed, who sets the standard? ” we set the standard” but an individual on his/her own rarely does, because it is “acceptance by others” that ensures the accepted standard is maintained. As to the gentleman whose hairstyle has generated this debate, I will make no reference to him at all, as my policy on the bloggs is not to say anything negative about named individuals, apart from senior politicians on matters of policy. This situation is different in context and specific to personal grooming… I will therefore pass on it.
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