If you too want or have long hair and are always teased about it by your family members, then this article is for you. Unwanted social norms are prevalent in Indian society, which probably do not even have the use of a stick. Especially in the middle class society, such types are seen more. A trendy variant of this is to taunt, object to, or consider long hair as a sign of bad association if a child has long hair. As you can see, having a long hair hairstyle has nothing to do with one’s personality.
Even today, reactions are common in many households that if Indian children have long hair, they are unruly or unbecoming in society. Parents are advised that children should keep their hair short considering job, interview or office environment, in fact that is the sign of a good boy. But one question must be asked—who gave society the right to decide how long men’s hair should be? And was long hair always considered negative in Indian culture? Let’s find out
Place of long hair in Indian tradition
Long hair appears in many forms in Indian history and religious traditions. Jats of Lord Shiva have religious and spiritual significance. Jata appears in the images of many sages, while some historical kings, warriors and ascetics also feature long hair. Hair was not only a symbol of beauty in Indian tradition; In some contexts it was associated with austerity, power, asceticism, or a particular religious identity.
An image of British rule and short hair
During the British rule, discipline, uniformity and certain dress were important in the army, government offices and institutions. There were also practical reasons for keeping short hair in the military services, such as hygiene, convenience, uniform uniformity and discipline. Institutional norms and western professional images of British administration influenced Indian institutions as well as society.
During this period, British cultural dominance reinforced many prejudices about Indian language, education system, literature and social practices. Accordingly, the British military tradition of short hair became a norm in Indian society as well.
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Why is long hair still unruly??
Even after independence, certain western professional norms became symbols of prestige in the society. Wearing a black coat, looking neat and having short hair was worn in many places. As a result, children with long hair sometimes face unnecessary criticism at work, in education or in the family environment.
In fact, a person’s efficiency, integrity or professionalism is not determined solely by the length of their hair. Workplace hygiene, safety and appropriate attire can be important; But insisting that every man has the same hairstyle is a different matter.
Pride in culture means respect for choice
Being proud of Indian culture does not mean that everyone has to have long hair. Likewise, not everyone has to cut their hair short to look modern. The overall sentiment is that a person should have the freedom to choose a hairstyle as per her choice.
Ultimately the question is not long hair or short hair. The question is whether we take the decision of our own choice or we take it out of fear of the society. If there is a place for diversity in Indian culture, why should a young man’s culture and personality be questioned because he has long hair? isn’t it
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are there examples of men having long hair in Indian tradition?
yes Examples of long hair can be found in Jata of Lord Shiva, images of sages and hair traditions of some historical communities. However, it cannot be said that all Indian men had the same hairstyle.
2. Did the British force Indian men to have short hair?
The British Army had regulations regarding beards, religious symbols and headgear. But there is no concrete evidence that the British launched a nationwide campaign to encourage Indian men to keep their head hair short.
3. Does having long hair make a person unprofessional?
No. Professionalism is determined by quality of work, responsibility, behavior and communication. Some jobs may have specific rules for hygiene or safety; But it is not right to judge a person’s personality by hair length alone.