Wednesday 21 March 2012

Where did the last 60 years go?

I got my hair cut last week.
I do it every year or two, going from long to short, a major change.
This time it's a very short concave bob. A bit 80's esque. And i love it, it's very me.

But yesterday i was catapulted back about 60 years.
I don't expect everybody, or anybody in fact, to love it like i do. (even though it is a bit fab). But in my 40's i didn't expect one comment to slap me square in my feminist face.

"What does your husband think? I bet he prefers it long. My husband would divorce me if i cut my hair short. Don't get me wrong, i think it's nice."

"Who gives a shit what my husband thinks." (and your husband should divorce you for using his brain instead of your own in conversations he is not involved in.)

I said the first part, not the second to her.


Then all of a sudden i found myself wondering whether it was her or me that had been living in a cave my entire life. Is she oblivious to the equality of the sexes and freedom of expression or am i blind to the struggle to keep these issues relevant.

Maybe it isn't a question of feminism, maybe it is just me.
I have always just done what i want, when i want, when it comes to the way i express myself. I don't feel a need to consult with anyone else on that front, and i encourage others to do the same.

Isn't that what so many have struggled for, for so many years. So that i don't have to worry/think about that. So that being myself is a given.



Maybe it's time i stopped sitting back and enjoying the achievements of my bra burning sisters and get back in the fight, because this week i learned that it is far from over.

6 comments:

  1. whaaaaaaaat? she said that? what a nincompoop!

    Can't wait to check out the new do!

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  2. I'm glad i'm not the only one gob smacked by her comment. Guess i won't be asking her to join me if i decide to do the World's Greatest Shave next year.

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  3. What the?!

    Who goes to the hair dresser and thinks "What will my husband think?"... AND then if they do, allow it to affect their decision?

    Bizarre.

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    Replies
    1. They are out there to varying degrees. She is just a standout.

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  4. Add me to the list of shocked peeps! I'd have been speechless if someone said that me ... and that is something!

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    1. I was almost speechless, but not quite. For me to be speechless i would have to be struck by lightning. When i see her now i give her 'that look', she knows i do not approve.

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