Misconceptions

[Smoothy]

The only time there's ever been a bald stereotype thrown my way was during jury duty. I was one of the 12 on the bench, and the prosecuting used his "privledge" to exclude me without explanation. I shared this with a buddy of mine (an attorney), and he said that attorneys often view guys that shave their heads as "free thinkers"....not sure how to take that one.

Anyway, it would have served the prosecutor well to keep me on the jury. The case had something to do with property rights & calculation of taxes, something I know quite a bit about. I still wonder how that case was resolved.

I guess you could interpret "free thinker" in a few different lights. Maybe in the legal system, they don't favor those who don't follow a crowd, especially one swayed by authority. The risks of a hung jury wasn't worth having a sly guy in their presence...

With that said, I find it less surprising, and unfortunate, for the court of law, or just the entire 'judicial" branch of government for that matter, to hold others with such high prejudice.

Thanks for sharing.

For the first time, I ponder the possibly that being sly might even negatively effect my chances for future employment.... hmmm...

[Smoothy]

I don't think bald, these days, shouts neo nazi or racist.

I think it has more to do with body language. If you walk around frowning, or if you're generally not very social, people may perceive you as unfriendly because of your body language. Seriously!

Try to smile, smile before you walk in somewhere, and try to interact with people more. I'm reading a book, The Charisma myth, that is extremely beneficial in this area. Give it a shot!

Dually noted!

Thanks man! I like a good read, so thanks for the intensive to check out that book! I defiantly will.

It sounds familiar too, I think it was referenced in, "Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking"(A great read too btw!!).

I am a bit of a loner, but it was easier to get away with when I had hair because people perceived it as me just being an approachable, sweet, shy kid (when I had hair, I was always mistaken for being way younger than I was. Being sly, the opposite reigns true.)

[Smoothy]

This is simple to me Dude. I have a one line statement that I use all the time that really explains a lot of the unexplainable:

"The world is full of dumb asses.... don't let a dumb ass ruin your day."

Well said.

I second that!

Thanks guy

[Smoothy]

Just roll with it man, If people judge you solely on you being bald, then they dont deserve the time of day. Just smile and kill em with kindness! Ive never met a polite racist before.

Speakn truth, bro!

 

[Smoothy]

A polite racist would be something to behold...

"Excuse me sir, why don't you get on the next plane back to where you came from? We have enough of your kind here! Thank you and have a nice day"

That would just leave anyone dumbfounded!

lol!

I could that being part of a some bid on a sketch comedy show!

[Smoothy]

I've read up on the 30 day rule, so by the time I that point, when my comfort level is at it's peak, these issues will subside to a lame foggy before.

Smoothy, don't be disappointed if your surge in bald-confidence arrives sooner than 30 days; I expect it will.

Now that you've shaved you are going to notice just how many other guys in the world have the same smooth hairstyle. It's impressive (and reassuring if you need it).

Yesterday I was on the staff bus which was filled with mostly college-age kids (thus, approximately your age). Three of them were sporting the slick dome and looked awesome as I'm sure you do as well.

Give yourself the time to adjust, focus not on the loss of hair but on the freedom you've gained and the cojones you've demonstrated to take charge of your destiny.

Cheers to you!

Very well!

I anticipate the change! 

It's funny you say that because I have noticed more guys sportn the sly method, since taking charge!

reassuring indeed.

[TxTa2Guy]

I recently met a young guy who belongs to a group of which I am an old member. The young guy told me that he lives in the neighborhood in which I used to live and saw me almost every day when I walked my dog. I moved away about five years before this conversation, so the guy was about 15 when I moved. I asked where he lived and said that I didn't remember seeing him around then but that a lot of time had passed and that he had grown up and matured.

He said, "yeah that is true. Did you know that you scared the sh*t out of everybody in the neighborhood?"

I laughed my posterior off for a few minutes and then told him [cleaned up quite a bit, removing political and social epithets!] that I was an aging peacenick and that the folks in that neighborhood and I had little in common and that was why I moved!

He said he understood, telling me (as I knew) that my tattoos were what frightened them. So I asked him how he thought they would like my new look, with a huge lion tattoo on the back of my shaved head. He said that some of them had seen me around since I moved and they were still afraid of me.

So I told him, "I am glad to hear that. Now I know they won't all follow me to my new, liberal, tolerant neighborhood, wanting to live next to me!"

LIFE IS GOOD!

[Beardman]

I recently met a young guy who belongs to a group of which I am an old member. The young guy told me that he lives in the neighborhood in which I used to live and saw me almost every day when I walked my dog. I moved away about five years before this conversation, so the guy was about 15 when I moved. I asked where he lived and said that I didn't remember seeing him around then but that a lot of time had passed and that he had grown up and matured.

He said, "yeah that is true. Did you know that you scared the sh*t out of everybody in the neighborhood?"

I laughed my posterior off for a few minutes and then told him [cleaned up quite a bit, removing political and social epithets!] that I was an aging peacenick and that the folks in that neighborhood and I had little in common and that was why I moved!

He said he understood, telling me (as I knew) that my tattoos were what frightened them. So I asked him how he thought they would like my new look, with a huge lion tattoo on the back of my shaved head. He said that some of them had seen me around since I moved and they were still afraid of me.

So I told him, "I am glad to hear that. Now I know they won't all follow me to my new, liberal, tolerant neighborhood, wanting to live next to me!"

LIFE IS GOOD!

Haha, very interesting story! I really do like that head tattoo!

[balddaniel]

Smoothy,

I feel for you.  I once told that when you can see my tattoos and the combination of a bald head I could be intimidating.  I havn't had that problem for a long long time.  I agree with the guys just smile and shake it off.  I think you look great sly.  As for a new job.  I just moved to Melboure, FL from CA and applied for a job at University of Central Florida I had my second interview last week and they have said that I am their top canidate.  They sent my name to HR for approval.  I hope to start work this week.  Keep you head up and just be yourself.  Everything will be just fine. 

Daniel

[Beardman]

I just moved to Melboure, FL from CA and applied for a job at University of Central Florida I had my second interview last week and they have said that I am their top canidate.  They sent my name to HR for approval.  I hope to start work this week.  Keep you head up and just be yourself.  Everything will be just fine. 

Daniel

Good work mate!

[Slyfive]

Good luck on the job!

[thedvsmonkey]

Well, I have had hair down between my shoulder blades, a smooth melon, and everything in between.  I have multiple piercings, multiple tattoos, etc.  I have a friend that I actually work for from time to time in his UPS Store when he needs help and he once told me that every time he sees me I look scarier and scarier but I'm the nicest person he's ever met.  And I posted in another thread that at first glance at my appearance a nun gasped and crossed herself.  I suppose my point here is that it doesn't seem to really matter what you look like because people are going to judge you based on their own prejudices and there isn't much you can do about it.  Once anyone takes the time to get to know me they realize very quickly that I'm an intelligent individual and I'm very kind, polite, and even funny.  For those that don't take the time to get to know me . . . their loss.  Own your look and your personal power and walk with your chin up and a smile that'll knock em dead!

[Slyfive]

Awesome words Thedvsmonkey

[Bucksfan]

A smile, politeness and a little small talk goes a long way.  As does the clothing you wear.  I find myself dressing "up" a little more than I used to - a polo or button down shirt rather than a t-shirt, etc...  In the professional arena, I tend to wear a jacket / blazer or suit a little more often than I used to. 

The reality is that there are people out there that will perceive your shaved head as an aggressive statement because of something that they have seen or experienced in their past.  This is not your issue. 

I was self-conscious about the possibility of my shaved head causing others to mis-perceive me for about my first week or two - then those thoughts vanished and I simply don't think about it anymore. 

Bald heads have gone almost mainstream now - still a little different, but certainly not associated with the stigma of racism / neo-nazi stuff anymore in my opinion.  (of course, that may vary depending on the part of the world you are living in).  I am seeing many more shaved heads on the owners / key managers of businesses these days as well (those are the people whom you will be approaching for jobs - so that should give you confidence!).

Congrats Daniel! 

[Mr Jules]

but I could never stick with it due to that self-conscious feeling I get when people spectate.

What makes you think people are spectating ?

I assume that people are less interested in my appearance than I think. Otherwise, I'd be flattering myself. And self praise is no praise.

Just enjoy being bald