Hair covering stereotypes

@rpegan (596)
United States
May 19, 2008 1:17am CST
I've had trouble lately with the stereotypes involved in covering my hair. I'm agnostic- I have no particular religious affiliation. I just get frustrated with my hair, or I'll be doing a lot of work that involves dust or dirt, or my hair will be wet when I leave the house, or it's hot and I want it out of the way! However, the hair covering goes on and the ignorance comes out. I get questions about why I "do that" to myself or let someone "do that" to me. People get downright hostile because they don't accept my explanation that I just wanted my hair out of the way. I just want to know why people are so hostile. Sometimes I won't even cover all of my hair, but unless I'm wearing a bandana, I get jumped with questions.
1 person likes this
1 response
• United States
19 May 08
I don't know why people would give you a hard time. I live in a small town and I have a blue mohawk. Nobody says a word to me, but that is probably because I have lived here my whole life. The exception being the occasional child...lol. My great-nephew told me today I need a new haircut because it sticks up in the middle. I do get wide eyed responses sometimes, though. But, everybody has their own style. (I mean no offense by what I am about to say.) However, in current times it may be people thinking you are Muslim and some ignorant people might be put off by that. If they are outright hostile, though I might think about either moving or sticking to the bandanna or a doorag. The world is full of hate and anger. Some people do not know where to focus their anger so they tend to take it out on anyone who appears different.
@rpegan (596)
• United States
19 May 08
One big fact that can't be overlooked: If it was a part of my religion or my culture, that would be even more reason for people to respect my decisions. For a country that prides itself so much on religious and social freedoms, people do tend to overlook them here.
1 person likes this
• United States
20 May 08
This is a country that tends to forget it roots at times.