Sly Bald Guys Forum
Discussions About Being Bald => Advantages and Disadvantages to being Bald => Topic started by: harper on June 12, 2009, 10:37:13 AM
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I dont know if this is the right subforum but......
I was wondering how you stop yourself from looking like a skinhead when you shave your head or buzz your hair really short. Im planning on buzzing really short this summer but i dont want to look like a skinhead.
I guess there are not any 'tips' that can be given but im just wondering what people thoughts are.
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I think a lot of it is how you carry and present yourself. People are going to think what they want to think and believe what they want to believe. You can't change that.
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No swaztika tattoos or other supremacist BS to start! Avoid para-military garb and white sheets too. That's about it.
Sly looks good any other way, casual for the beach or street, dressed for the night out or business.
Pretty simple actually. ARK also helps, Acts of Random Kindness.
Enjoy the Sly life and join us in setting a good example for the combovers and horseshoes, bozo rings, etc. of the world.
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I agree that it's all about attitude! Other than that, if someone wants to think I'm a skinhead that's their problem not mine. I have never felt that anyone was ever even thinking about it.
If you're Sly, You're SLY! It's much more than having or not having hair!! I tend to be rather extroverted, so I'm probably going to talk to anyone that I sense has a problem with me!
Attitude, attitude, attitude....Be confident, let it show that you love your bald dome. If you'll do that I think you have nothing to worry about, skinhead wise anyway.
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I think the world is over the whole "Nazi Skinhead" stereotype from the 80s. There are enough clearly non-racist types rocking the look that it's really a non-issue.
When I get home I will dig up some links on the history of the skinhead movement that show the nazi jackasses as an aberration and a departure from the original movement, albeit one that gained a lot of attention. Some of the original skins in England were Jamaicans or in gangs or bands with Jamaicans.
Don't wear polyester bomber jackets, swastikas, iron crosses, the phrase "RaHoWa" anywhere on your person or any other similar paraphernalia and all should be well.
If anyone is in doubt, go hug a Hasidic Jew to be sure!
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About 10 minutes ago, I had the first real odd reaction from someone. A lady was walking along the corridor of my building. I was behind her. When she saw me, i could tell that she got scared. For the next 10-15 steps, she walked with her head turned and looking at me. Finally, I said "Sorry, I'm just walking to the stairs." She seemed relieved, but still a little frightened.
I have no idea if the bald head and goatee was a factor, but I really don't have many people that are afraid of me. I am bigger than the average guy, but I am by no means scary looking. People actually tell me that I have a friendly face.
It was actually kinda cool. It was a fun to scare someone for a change.
As for the skinhead thing, just get a tan and then you'll look fine. Skinheads are typically not tan. Also, do what Saintc says. His advice is as good as it is funny.
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SaintC hit it on the head..just be nice. It's kind of like the idiots that think just because one owns a Confederate flag or a shirt with one on it that automatically means you are a KKK member or hate people of other races . I guess if ignorance was bliss some people would be very happy.
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About 10 minutes ago, I had the first real odd reaction from someone. A lady was walking along the corridor of my building. I was behind her. When she saw me, i could tell that she got scared. For the next 10-15 steps, she walked with her head turned and looking at me. Finally, I said "Sorry, I'm just walking to the stairs." She seemed relieved, but still a little frightened.
I have no idea if the bald head and goatee was a factor, but I really don't have many people that are afraid of me. I am bigger than the average guy, but I am by no means scary looking. People actually tell me that I have a friendly face.
It was actually kinda cool. It was a fun to scare someone for a change.
As for the skinhead thing, just get a tan and then you'll look fine. Skinheads are typically not tan. Also, do what Saintc says. His advice is as good as it is funny.
Unfortunately the sly look does appear threatening to a lot of people. That's why, if you plan to wear it, you need to project a friendly, peaceful attitude and dress "normally." It's not all that hard to do, and believe me, nobody will mistake you for a racist if you do it.
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I think the world is over the whole "Nazi Skinhead" stereotype from the 80s. There are enough clearly non-racist types rocking the look that it's really a non-issue.
When I get home I will dig up some links on the history of the skinhead movement that show the nazi jackasses as an aberration and a departure from the original movement, albeit one that gained a lot of attention. Some of the original skins in England were Jamaicans or in gangs or bands with Jamaicans.
Don't wear polyester bomber jackets, swastikas, iron crosses, the phrase "RaHoWa" anywhere on your person or any other similar paraphernalia and all should be well.
If anyone is in doubt, go hug a Hasidic Jew to be sure!
Living in North Idaho, I can tell you that Aryan Nations is still alive and well. This became painfully aware to us this past week when that gunman shot the security guard at the Nat'l Holocaust Museum. The guy had loose ties with Aryan Nations here in North ID.
By the same token, I'm 100% Middle Eastern (who's family has been Christian for centuries), and I have a shaved head. I don't worry about people mistaking me for a skinhead. If anything, there's a woman at our church who tells me every week that I "look like a terrorist!" How thrilling is that--NOT!
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It's all about attitude and how you carry yourself. Some people are going to pre-judge you, that's a fact of life. If you act like an A55 hole, you'll be treated like one. I think saint said it best. Other than that, you've just gotta enjoy being sly.
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Acts of Random Kindness.
Right on. If I want to be treated with kindness by others I need to show kindness to others.
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I live in a mostly black neighborhood and get strange looks from people when walking around. I just make sure that I'm extremely kind to everybody. How you act makes a larger impression than how you look.
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Just be you! If somebody thinks that about you there cloesed minded and it's there problem like GaryTsaid.
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This is one of the kicks I get outa being Sly.
I guess some people still have an expectation that a big guy 6'2'' with a completely bald head is going to be a thug :x!. I find I get it in places where there is perhaps an older person working in an office behind a counter or in a store. Perhaps it is just me, but I can sense the concern they have, and the kick starts when I reveal myself to be a polite, friendly and descent person. I then notice that they are completely relaxed and it turns out to be a positive experience.. This is all changing (for the good) as the shaved head is really a main stream style and any concerns of appearing to be a skinhead are groundless as they are conveyed by as dress, attitude and lack of smarts. Sly does mean that you have only skin on your head, but that is not the problem.
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I think the world is over the whole "Nazi Skinhead" stereotype from the 80s. There are enough clearly non-racist types rocking the look that it's really a non-issue.
When I get home I will dig up some links on the history of the skinhead movement that show the nazi jackasses as an aberration and a departure from the original movement, albeit one that gained a lot of attention. Some of the original skins in England were Jamaicans or in gangs or bands with Jamaicans.
Don't wear polyester bomber jackets, swastikas, iron crosses, the phrase "RaHoWa" anywhere on your person or any other similar paraphernalia and all should be well.
If anyone is in doubt, go hug a Hasidic Jew to be sure!
I agree that the world is over thinking anybody with a shaved head is a skinhead. I have NEVER had anybody even suggest it to me. I'm with the other guys too. If you are a skinhead, you'll have more paraphenalia than just a shaved head.
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While a bald man can be intimidating to some people, I have found that a glare or stare that is returned with a big smile has an amazing reaction. The other person ALWAYS smiles back.
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Just smile :). When I smile at people they always smile back even though they might be scared of me at first. And people who thinks youre a nazi are just stupid, it is not a gen in your hair that makes you turn into a nazi when you shave your head.
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though I agree with all the bro's about attitude and R A K its also true that image-wise there's a lot of difference between a short stubbly buzz and a completely SLY dome. Completely SLY isnt at all 'skin head', but somehow that bit of stubble stands for trouble...
Just shave completelt SLY and smooth and you won't even FEEL like a skinhead ^-^
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My new response to when people call me a skinhead is "As opposed to what?"
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My new response to when people call me a skinhead is "As opposed to what?"
haha genius
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Since I also live near North Idaho and spend lots of time there I was worried about the whole skinhead thing when I first started shaving. But like others have said most skinheads have a buzzed/stubble and are not smooth Sly. I am also really kind so when people see me they may be startled at first but then see how kind I am and it changes their whole opinion.
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I didn't have a problem back in the 80's, when I shaved off my botched flattop and shaved off and on. Like everyone else has said, I was just nice to people, and didn't wear the "uniform." I dressed like everyone else.
Nowadays, people are much more used to it. :)
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Hey I know what you mean!
You know but come to think of it, it is kind of nice when you appear as tough and then act very nicely with people. It kind of adds up of you know what I mean
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I am way too goofy for anybody to find me threatening.
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Clean cut and bald, either clippershave or razor shave means just wholesome look with facial hair e.g. chin strap, goatee, jawline beard or some very neatly trimmed facial hair and tank top or tee shirt and summer cut-offs or sexy cowboy jeans and sandals or tennis shoes or cowboy boots. No matter if you are thin and pale, fat or pudgy or gym-fastic handsome, just be yourself with a true smile and good attitude and you will NOT be a skinhead no matter how little or no hair you have ! Your heart, not your hair rules !
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remember of course that a lot of skinheads arent nazi/racist
(https://www.slybaldguys.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F_NT2b-OxiJqg%2FSa16ppfbTHI%2FAAAAAAAAIOI%2FlBo6Z15JkiE%2Fs200%2FSkinheads_Against_Racial_Prejudice_1.jpg&hash=771b2822daab6f6d1a0422575ab18d6c20723292)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trojan_skinhead
i grew up with the whole twotone scene in 80s britain
still like a lot of aspects of the culture
cheers
Gav.
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I dont know if this is the right subforum but......
I was wondering how you stop yourself from looking like a skinhead when you shave your head or buzz your hair really short. Im planning on buzzing really short this summer but i dont want to look like a skinhead.
I guess there are not any 'tips' that can be given but im just wondering what people thoughts are.
Well for starters, put the combat boots away, and just find some new clothing that makes you look cool. I wear alot of Hawaiian Aloha shirts, Hawaiian T-Shirt, polo shirts and archery or bowhunting related T-Shirts.
And keep a big ol smile on my face, cuz it makes everyone wonder what I'm up to :*))
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I dont think a shaved head makes a person a real skinhead, Yes if you have nazi style tats, or racial t shirts etc.
When i first shaved my head ,when travelling on a train i did get some funny looks from some ethnic people etc, But i would just smile back or say g`day and they seemed to relax. But this is because they have met real skinheads who have given them problems. And a real skinhead would not smile or talk to those they hate
But the best one was an asian girl sat opposite me on a train and she kept looking over and looked very nervous, so when she looked i smiled and said hello, She then said to me are you a skinhead and hate asians because only skinheads shave their head,
I said no i shave my head because i like to and i take everyone as i find them, and most men with shaved heads do so because they going bald etc and most are very normal nice folks.
As i said to her you cant judge people by their outward appearance, but yes skinhead attitudes make it hard on those who shave the head for personal reasons
But you won`t please everyone as many judge on what they see ,not what is really there, But they the ones missing out.
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Everyone's already said it. But nowadays sly is more popular and accepted. Just don't wear anything that looks too militant. I've had to refrain from wearing an otherwise innocuous shirt, it's a military surplus German eagle tank top that I picked up in Austria a few years back, just to be careful.
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I heard a girl tell her friend I was a skinhead once. They both worked at Belks and I heard them as I walked by. They were really young so I didn't go off on them.
I've been told I'm intimidating looking but people said the same thing when I had long hair. ;D
I saw a documentary last year on MSNBC I think about how the Arayan nation (or however you spell it) is going after people who look "normal" now so they can blend in better.
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I guess I should cancel my appointment to have a swastika tattooed on the bald skull... :*)) :*))
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...This is all changing (for the good) as the shaved head is really a main stream style and any concerns of appearing to be a skinhead are groundless as they are conveyed by as dress, attitude and lack of smarts...
Well said, because it is those combination of factors that make up the skinhead community.
On a positive note, how many people have you seen with the sly look since you joined SBGs? I've seen a lot and in the past few months and make it a point to see if they know about SBGs...if not, they usually want to know...my point, SLY is in style! O:O
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Some of us apparently just have "that look" with our heads shaved. I've been told that I'm more intimidating with my head shaved clean than I do with a Mohawk (I always thought the hawk was much more agro, but hey). The bottom line is that some people are gonna think what they're gonna think and there's not much you can do about it. The good news is that the people who will misjudge are people you don't wanna know anyway. Those who know you will know you no matter what your haircut is.
That said there IS more to the Skinhead look than the hair cut:
(https://www.slybaldguys.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi32.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fd44%2Fskinhead_darren%2FSkinheads%2520and%2520Scooters%2FSkinheadFashion01.jpg&hash=0621433fafab4838788848e9c750797507695c7c)
If you are looking for what NOT to wear:
Don't wear Dr. Marten boots with Red or White laces (I wear Docs almost elusively, just stick to black laces), These is are Racist Skinhead code. Avoid German insignias (Swastika, Iron Cross, SS lightening bolts, etc.) on clothing and especially in tattoos.
Avoid the high cuffed pants/suspenders (braces)/shaved head combo.
That's about it.
I live in Portland, OR. And there's a pretty strong Racist Skin presence here, as well as S.H.A.R.P.s. it's really no better to identify as a S.H.A.R.P. than it is to identify as an Aryan or a Hammer Skin. It's just a different flavor of thug. The only difference is that the S.H.A.R.P.s Beat up the Racist Skins. It's still ridiculous, pointless violence, just aimed at a different group.
The "Traditional Skinhead" Look may have started a class/political/music/culture movement in England, but the racists took it over so completely that I don't know that the movement can ever get back on track. At least not in the general public eye.
http://www.io.com/~qsb/words/faq/skin.html
Sad but true. I personally like the "traditional Skinhead" asthetic and wear it to varying degrees. I just got used to occasionally having to say "Don't let the haircut fool ya" or "no, no, it's just a haircut" to random strangers who stare too much on the bus.
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I've got a bald head and a Confederate flag in my living room...oh-oh...(actually, I just like to collect Civil War stuff... :))
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This reminds me of an incident that happened in Tacoma WA back in the mid 1980's. Some long-haired rock band was playing there and they were cruising the local mall. They happened upon some guys with shaved heads and wearing military clothes. The rockers presumed them to be neo-nazi skinheads and started to harass them and beat them up. Big mistake. The "skinheads" were actually freshly trained Army Rangers from nearby Fort Lewis. Those long-hairs learned a valuable and unforgettable lesson about judging a book by its cover. :x!
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You have to be especially nice to everyone. Skin-heads aren't nice. Most people are intimidated by a bald head, but nobody thinks "neo-nazi" when a bald person is nice to everyone.
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Vash, I was surprised when I read that article and saw that they listed the Dropkick Murphys as an American oi band. We saw them in concert in Spokane, WA about a week ago. (As a proper Bostonian in exile, they made me homesick).
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good topic i was meaning to make one myself.
When your chromed domed, you are not called that name a lot. Its usualy when you buzz it off. I agree with the first page, get a good tan. Carry yourself well. That means how you act towards everyone. And SMILE!!
Now its kinda hard for me though. Because I usualy have that rock look going. None of my tattoos are visable though. You gota smile
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Just be a good person - -the Skinhead was not - - - and who cares now " BALD IS BEAUTIFUL "
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Vash, I was surprised when I read that article and saw that they listed the Dropkick Murphys as an American oi band. We saw them in concert in Spokane, WA about a week ago. (As a proper Bostonian in exile, they made me homesick).
An excellent band.
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Yeah it doesn't happen very often but I still hear the occasional "Nazi" comment when I walk down the street, I just let it roll off my smooth bald head and not worry about it, like its already been said, its THEIR problem, not yours.
Although there was this one instance where I actually had a chance to retort to a certain comment. I was walking down a bike path, minding my own business and enjoying the day when a couple of obvious wanna-be hippie type chicks walk by (You know, the kind that rock the look and think they can save the world with their dreadlocks but are otherwise innefectual posers who work at Starbucks) and one of them says "Nazi" and the other one "Racist" with an incredibly smug look on their faces.
I admit I was taken aback, I was wearing jeans and a T-shirt, not a swastika, thank you very much. I stopped, turned around and said "Excuse me? I'm quite certain that there is no way you were just talking to me.
To which they responded with a tirade of cliche's and insults that would have pissed off anyone else, so what did I do?
I very calmly explained to them that not only am I NOT a Nazi Skinhead, but that my father is a Holocaust survivor from Holland whose entire family was exterminated by the Nazis in both Stalag 13 and Treblinka, and who had to spend over a year being hidden in a false closet like Anne Frank, and how deeply hurt I was by their comments and how insulted I was that they would say such a thing about someone simply because they shave their head. I even explained the origins of skinheads and how the white supremists stole and then raped that image for their own twisted purposes.
You have never seen a couple of posers backpedal faster in your entire life. By the time I was done they were both in tears, so hopefully that opened their eyes a little bit and they won't be so quick to shoot their mouths off next time.
It doesn't happen very often, but man does it feel good to put someone in their place, even if it means dredging up unpleasantness.
NEXT!
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Yeah it doesn't happen very often but I still hear the occasional "Nazi" comment when I walk down the street, I just let it roll off my smooth bald head and not worry about it, like its already been said, its THEIR problem, not yours.
Although there was this one instance where I actually had a chance to retort to a certain comment. I was walking down a bike path, minding my own business and enjoying the day when a couple of obvious wanna-be hippie type chicks walk by (You know, the kind that rock the look and think they can save the world with their dreadlocks but are otherwise innefectual posers who work at Starbucks) and one of them says "Nazi" and the other one "Racist" with an incredibly smug look on their faces.
I admit I was taken aback, I was wearing jeans and a T-shirt, not a swastika, thank you very much. I stopped, turned around and said "Excuse me? I'm quite certain that there is no way you were just talking to me.
To which they responded with a tirade of cliche's and insults that would have pissed off anyone else, so what did I do?
I very calmly explained to them that not only am I NOT a Nazi Skinhead, but that my father is a Holocaust survivor from Holland whose entire family was exterminated by the Nazis in both Stalag 13 and Treblinka, and who had to spend over a year being hidden in a false closet like Anne Frank, and how deeply hurt I was by their comments and how insulted I was that they would say such a thing about someone simply because they shave their head. I even explained the origins of skinheads and how the white supremists stole and then raped that image for their own twisted purposes.
You have never seen a couple of posers backpedal faster in your entire life. By the time I was done they were both in tears, so hopefully that opened their eyes a little bit and they won't be so quick to shoot their mouths off next time.
It doesn't happen very often, but man does it feel good to put someone in their place, even if it means dredging up unpleasantness.
NEXT!
Good for you! I'm glad that you told them. I'm 100% Middle Eastern, (Christian), and my wife's family is 100% Jewish. My family lived through the Turkish genocide. My grandfather lost his first wife and two kids in the genocide. There's this loopy woman at our church that told me with all seriousness that she's afraid of me because I look like Saddam. Two weeks ago, I was talking to these people that I'd just met, and she walks up, and proceeds to ask me if I've blown up any planes lately. She also wanted to know where my sheet was. (Please don't blame Christians for stupidity; I'm NOT saying that you're doing that). I just give this woman a 's)wide birth and figure that she's a nut job! (Worse yet, I think that she's in her late 60's, early 70's).
BTW, welcome to the group.
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Vash, I was surprised when I read that article and saw that they listed the Dropkick Murphys as an American oi band. We saw them in concert in Spokane, WA about a week ago. (As a proper Bostonian in exile, they made me homesick).
An excellent band.
Yeah, those guys made a stop in my city (Edmonton) last summer & a good time was had by all! There were shaved heads and kilts a-plenty, not to mention a bevvy of beauties that really like the former & the latter O:O
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(Snipped for space)
Good for you! I'm glad that you told them. I'm 100% Middle Eastern, (Christian), and my wife's family is 100% Jewish. My family lived through the Turkish genocide. My grandfather lost his first wife and two kids in the genocide. There's this loopy woman at our church that told me with all seriousness that she's afraid of me because I look like Saddam. Two weeks ago, I was talking to these people that I'd just met, and she walks up, and proceeds to ask me if I've blown up any planes lately. She also wanted to know where my sheet was. (Please don't blame Christians for stupidity; I'm NOT saying that you're doing that). I just give this woman a 's)wide birth and figure that she's a nut job! (Worse yet, I think that she's in her late 60's, early 70's).
BTW, welcome to the group.
Hey Bubba,
Thanks, its nice to be here. ;D
I have to admit, I found myself saying "WHAT?!?" out loud a few times when I read your post. Man, talk about IGNORANCE. The thing is, I agree with you and I don't blame Christians for stupidity, I blame stupidity itself. People need to learn to think for themselves, rather than have guys like Glenn Beck do it for them. Its a good thing that I wasn't present during the 'blowing up planes' and 'where's your sheet' comments, as I would have let that woman have it with both barrels for saying such a thing.
I'm not saying I'm perfect, far from it, I make mistakes all the time. As a matter of fact the last time I made a mistake was when I thought I was WRONG. O:O
In all seriousness though, what was she thinking? I'm going out on a limb and assuming she was thinking, just not about the right things.
It seems that people are still easily influenced by the media and pundits like "Faux News" which depresses me on a daily basis.
Oh well, like I always say: "Hug an a**hole today, because if it weren't for them we wouldn't know who all the cool people are!"
BTW, you do NOT look like Saddam Hussein. A bald Omar Sharif maybe, but definitely not Saddam ;) What bothers me when people say things like that is that its based on an irrational fear brought on by media oversaturation. Again if I had been there I would have said something like "Oh yeah? Well I'm afraid of you because you look like Phyllis Diller!"
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The average Joe Sly that I see on any given day is between 35 and 45 years old, usually has the tell-tale shadow of MPB, often wears glasses, khakis and a polo shirt. I don't see how any of those things screams out "skinhead." :/O
Admittedly, a shaved head can give a guy a tougher-looking appearance but a lot depends on how the person is dressed and "accessorized", as well as his physical build, facial hair, etc. I would think that "bouncer" or "biker" would come come to mind before "skinhead" in most cases. But generalizing about these things is like swimming in shark-infested waters. I'm sure plenty of people who see me out in public make assumptions about me based on my appearance -- and they are probably way, way off in most cases. But I've never worried about being labeled a skinhead. Anyone who thinks someone is a neo-Nazi simply because his head is shaved is oblivious to the world around them and has been for the past 15 years or so. Shaved heads have been commonplace for quite some time now. :/O
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There's this loopy woman at our church that told me with all seriousness that she's afraid of me because I look like Saddam. Two weeks ago, I was talking to these people that I'd just met, and she walks up, and proceeds to ask me if I've blown up any planes lately. She also wanted to know where my sheet was. (Please don't blame Christians for stupidity; I'm NOT saying that you're doing that). I just give this woman a 's)wide birth and figure that she's a nut job! (Worse yet, I think that she's in her late 60's, early 70's).
I don't think this has a thing to do w/ religion--whatever creed--this woman is as you put it nicely, loopy. There are crazy people in churches everyday, we had a woman who somehow brought her dog into our church this morning. Well behaved lady and mutt, but--considering it is an Episcopal church--I couldn't resist asking the priest on the way out if we're going to start ordaining dogs next. He laughed loud and hard on that one. At least for now, it doesn't appear that the church will make the headlines for animal ordinations--but that's only a short term prediction. No your church doesn't have a lock on loonies---and God must love them, consider how many he made.
Finally Bubba, being called Saddam--it's not yours alone. About two years ago while working as an attorney for the City, one guy in negotiations called me Saddam too. Nice thing, though, he's now in Federal prison on other charges brought by the US Attorney. So, I think that's a plus for this "Saddam," I really do.
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---and God must love them, consider how many he made.
Or He wants to insure a steady stream of people to keep committee meetings lively !
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Be extra nice to all people, especially people darker than you, and nobody will think you're a skinhead.
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The neo-Nazis, and their political arm in the UK, the BNP tend more to a full head of hair these days in order to appear more mainstream.
I must say that in the ten years (on and off) I have been sly, I have have never been openly accused of being a skinhead or even being racist. For all I know there may have been people over that time who thought it (and they are welcome to their thoughts) but it has never ever been said out loud.
I add my vote to the smiling, the chatting to people, and the acts of kindness. It disarms the nervous very quickly, and I have have talked to far more people of all ages since I went sly than I ever did when I wore hair.
Tony
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The neo-Nazis, and their political arm in the UK, the BNP tend more to a full head of hair these days in order to appear more mainstream.
Same tendency here in Germany.
Whenever I see some of them, however, I am reminded of the old saying: "True ugliness comes from within!"
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The neo-Nazis, and their political arm in the UK, the BNP tend more to a full head of hair these days in order to appear more mainstream.
Same tendency here in Germany.
Whenever I see some of them, however, I am reminded of the old saying: "True ugliness comes from within!"
This ilk in the Southern States still wear sheets in all the pictures we see, so it's hard to tell what their hairstyle is.
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I shaved my head once in High School for a project I'd been working on (Where I saw myself in ten years... Ironically, LOL, it was dead-on). As you can expect with teenagers of any day (THen the late 90s), I had a few people call me skinhead outright or tell me they had friends that would beat me up if they ever so much as saw me, just for shaving my head! I was pretty much the nicest, clean-mouthed person then, too, so it really was depressing.
When I was 26 I worked for a Hotel Barge cruise that was operating in the States. Far less clean mouthed but I was still a polite, professional human being. My Boss, however, was very, very put off by the head, confrotning me on more than one occaison (Even once when I was otherwise busy helping guests off the barge). Six months later I quit, tired of the constant attitude that I was some sort of racist, tired of peope treating me like crap and leaping at every chance to discredit me and "get out of their home."
Ignorant people are out there. By nature, their minds aren't going to change. It's as much human nature as it was to have to deal with bullies in school if you didn't care to be into what was popular. ARK is a good mindset, but I belive it should be stressed that it's something that should only be done for yourself, done because it's what you believe is -right-. Self-righteousness is, after all, just another form of ignorance.
So be strong, Brother. You're far from alone.
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I'm 22 years old and pale skinned so I was really worried that people would label me a racist. So for a while I acted really nice, particularly to minorities. But I quickly realized that almost NOBODY assumes I'm racist. The only time I've heard skinhead is when friends are joking around.
Don't dress like a thug/punk/hick, don't glare at people, and remember your social niceties (hello, thank you, etc) and no one will think your a skinhead. I don't think its good advice to act extra nice to specific people. Just treat everyone the same.
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Since more black guys are sly than white guys (at this point), are they supposed to be skinheads too?
It's just stupidity. And ruditity. (yeah I made that word up just now ;))
Ain't it great? You try to do something to make yourself look better, and yet so many elements of society seem to WANT you to look like bozo the clown. I guess it makes them feel better about themselves to put others down or oppress others. Well, screw them - I refuse to have a hairy toilet seat around my head!
Maybe they should get some of their own medicine:
If an overweight person said that to me, I'd say, "No, are you a spokesperson for Weight Watchers?"; if a black guys says that, I'll say, "Yeah right, me and Michael Jordan, and ({name about 10 other black sly guys}; if I couldn't find anything specific to pick back on, I might say, "I thought people who rode the short bus were not allowed to talk to strangers.." etc.. >:D
People who are rude are generally so because they lack the human capacity for empathy. A little turning of the tables can be quite an educational experience for them! I would never pick on someone without being provoked, of course.
Of course, it helps if you don't have a swastika tattoo'd on your pate! O:O
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Half, if not more, of the black guys in the NBA and the NFL shave their heads. Does that make them racists.?
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I've been called a skinhead and I've been mistaken for a black guy. Identity crisis. Help! Maybe it's the combat boots when am walking and the ODB bumpin when I'm in the truck.
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Just remember to smile and be nice to your neighbors. 8)
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These stories are great for making me even more self-conscious about balding... :-[
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I'm pleased to say that no one has ever called me "skin head". My hairstyle is part of my persona, but doesn't define me.
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Just remember all skinheads have shaved heads, but not all shaved heads belong to skinheads!! In the year and a half I have been shaving, I have never met this reaction.
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Just remember all skinheads have shaved heads, but not all shaved heads belong to skinheads!! In the year and a half I have been shaving, I have never met this reaction.
Well you're an older guy with glasses and that usually softens the image that bald head creates.
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I really think that the skinhead label comes more with the way you dress, the way you behave, your attitude, and your outlook and less to do with simply the hair (or lack of it) on your head. It is the whole package rather than one single attribute.
I'm confident that you are anticipating a problem that is unlikely to happen in practice.
Tony
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Ok my first day at work and out on the street really made me realize that I may look quite intimidating. :( I'm 28 years old, look quite young and I buzzed to 1 mm.
One colleague said outstraight I look nazi like, two guys said/joked that I look dangerous, one joke implied that I will vote for a racist political group. Mostly jokes but still.. It doesnt feel good.
I dont dress like a skinhead but I dont want to dress like an older person either. I want to keep my office/street style, for example today I wore a purple shirt, blue jeams, blue converse.
It seems much easier for older guys to be bald and not look like a skinhead.
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Stay well-groomed, smile and be polite.
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Offcourse but, how do I be polite to everybody I pass or in the subway. Im passing by hundreds of people on my way to work.
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It seems much easier for older guys to be bald and not look like a skinhead.
It's always easier for everybody else. Older guys think it's easier for a younger guy to shave his head because their friends will probably be less critical. Just do what you want to do and stuff what everybody else thinks. Don't empower others to influence your personal appearance.
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It seems much easier for older guys to be bald and not look like a skinhead.
It's always easier for everybody else. Older guys think it's easier for a younger guy to shave his head because their friends will probably be less critical. Just do what you want to do and stuff what everybody else thinks. Don't empower others to influence your personal appearance.
Good advice. Mahatma Ghandi and Albert Einstein never worried about what people thought of their clothes or hair, and they did OK.
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I do sometimes feel people are or look a little frightened when walking down the street, specially at dark, but I don't think it has anything to do with being bald, rather than being 6'6 and 230lbs. Good attitude and proper clothing work to let people know who and what you are.
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I always wonder why one should care so much of other people's opinions about him.
If you like the way you look why should the others influence you?
People sometimes tell me I look leucemic or convicted (never nazi so far), but who cares? I keep on shaving every day.
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When I went sly, I never thought about being viewed as a skinhead or a neo-Nazi and three months into it, I still don't. It's unfortunate that people jump to conclusions like "a shaved head means you are a nasty bigot". Then again, I really don't care what people like that think. I'm happy and proud to sport my shaved head.
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cant help with this one mate, as you can probly tell i dont use a razor i use a buffer! take that skin head look away and leaves you with a natural shine.
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Don't grow a Hitler mustache.
Kojak was sly.
One word, Goldberg.
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Well There is nothing WRONG being SKINHEAD... in fact it is a fashion statement that man can carry with confidence and strength.
Look always at the positive side of being shorthaired or skinhead. You can easily fix yourself in just minutes without worrying if you properly gel or comb your hair... And more than that the LOOKs adds neatness and coolness.
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I have been asked quite often if I was one. Of course the answer is no.
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The neo-Nazis, and their political arm in the UK, the BNP tend more to a full head of hair these days in order to appear more mainstream.
I must say that in the ten years (on and off) I have been sly, I have have never been openly accused of being a skinhead or even being racist. For all I know there may have been people over that time who thought it (and they are welcome to their thoughts) but it has never ever been said out loud.
I add my vote to the smiling, the chatting to people, and the acts of kindness. It disarms the nervous very quickly, and I have have talked to far more people of all ages since I went sly than I ever did when I wore hair.
Tony
So fascinating, this post
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I think times have changed too. A few years ago if you were balding you had a comb over and only shaved your hair if you were a skinhead. Nowadays it is more widely acceptable that people losing their hair might want to shave their hair off, this of course means people who do it by choice don't stand out - I think people assume you are balding if you are bald!
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Also following on from Buddha , Be very kind to yourself and know that you are a kind person to others , no self slander or slandering others
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This thread is duplicated under another topic, but I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. I learned quite a bit.
Here in Post Apartheid South Africa, there is no place for a display of even remote racism. I certainly steer clear of any connotation to racism and to any "skinheadism". There are 50 million people in SA. About 3 Million are "Coloured", 2 Million "indian", 7 million are "white" and the other 38 Million are "African" Any group orientated Skinhead racial activity will be quickly dealt with due to our unique history and intollerance towards racism.
The "skinhead" thing is not really applicable here. Many white police men sport a "chrome dome" but it rarely, if at all, alludes to or is perceived as being a racist statement.
The comments here are good pointers for Sly men, teaching us how to avoid any such perception at all costs.
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I definitely feel being a "skinhead" is very much an attitude (and the associated behaviours) rather than an appearance thing. If anyone ever worried I was a skinhead, a 30 second conversation would quickly put their mind at ease and set them straight, because they would see I'm not some aggressive skinhead at all.
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Yes Bluebriz, its all about the "attitude."
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Here in Post Apartheid South Africa, there is no place for a display of even remote racism.
Visited relatives who live in Cape Town three times: 1996, 2003 and 2008. It's a fantastic city.
And South Africa really is a 'poster boy' example of a country making a speedy transition from pariah state to completely integrated into the international community.
Another visit is long overdue. Think I have enough airmiles. Nope, I don't work for the SA Tourist board. But that's one job, I would like.
Bit off topic ....
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@Mr Jules, You are right, South Africa is now on the map as an excellent choice for an overseas holiday. There are a few beautiful cities here but Cape Town is just amazing. Cape Town's Table Mountain is now officially one of the "Wonders of the world".
There are few places where you can bring in your hard earned Pounds, get 13 Rands to the pound, and spend it on a quality holiday that you will not get easily at other places.
If you are bringing in Dollars, you will get 7 Rands for each Dollar.
From a holiday perspective, I want to break the misconception that RSA is a struggling "Third world" Country. There are world class accommodation facilities, excellent places to dine, to shop, stunning landscapes, coast lines, game reserves, wine farms, freeways and generally friendly, hospitable people. The infra structure is by far the best in Africa.
It is gratifying to read positive feedback about your visit to the RSA from people like you.
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It's all about how you "carry" yourself. I agree with all the guy's comments here. Don't worry what others may think of you because of your "hairstyle". Be yourself & remember to be kind to others in the process.
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OK one more story from a long time skinhead. I lived in Las Vegas in the eighties and the nineties. I started losing my hair at 23 and combined with the awful heat, shaving was a real Godsend. At first being white and that long ago, it drew a lot of stares and comments not too bad. In '98 I moved to far north Idaho. The habit of shaving my head followed me. In Bonners Ferry, I stood out like a sore thumb and due to the trouble caused by a few ignorant racists, it was difficult to talk anyone into hiring me. The folks in that part of the woods really despise what the Weavers and other Skinheads had done to their reputation. The idiots decided to move to Idaho, they were not natives. Anyway I finally got a job as a machinist, kind of reverse progress but it paid the bills. The other employee and now friend made the comment as to what have we hired? Just by being myself they quickly found out who and what I was. It will be the same everywhere, although now it is pretty common. If you are NOT a racist, then you probably will not be treated like one, if you are then you get what you deserve. I think through time the stereotype has faded. I haven't even had a good stare in the last few years and when I was forced to move to western Washington, liberal capital of the nation, I really expected more resistance from the PC crowd, but I stay away from them and it has worked out well. I will always shave my head, I have for almost half of my life and rather enjoy it, I find most women, even the ones that claim they do not care for bald men like it as well. So shave on my brothers!
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From a holiday perspective, I want to break the misconception that RSA is a struggling "Third world" Country.
And I want to break this misconception too about RSA being "a struggling Third World country".
I've had some of the best dining experiences in Cape Town. And as a cyclist, some of the best road rides around the Cape peninsula.
My own London based company sees South Africa has a country to get into for our future prospects. There's no growth in Europe at the moment.