FOR SOARING EAGLE
General Talk
Here ya go. Something might of got cut off somewhere in there, i dont know. haha
Dear Connor's mom,
Hi, i have had dreadlocks nearly 22 years, and i want to inform you on the myths and realities that come with dreadlocks as well as explain why dreadlocks are wanted. Lets start off with myths, the most common being dreads are dirty: false (in almost all cases). Dreads dread best when clean, in fact, cleaner then undreaded hair. Without product buildup, without oils from the scalp being over produced, without gels, sprays mouses etc., washing hair actually is what creates the knots that cause dreads to form. Some misinformed people do use wax in dreads or don't wash, so there are some who's dreads are dirty, BUT this is not recomended or good to do. Second, dreads are a sign of drug use: false. Drug use amongst dreads is no higher then amongst any other group, although in general hard drug and alcohol use is LOWER. Rastafarians use marijuana as a religios sacriment (not all do) but will not touch any other drugs including tobaco, sugar, or alcohol. Dangerous drug use amongst dreads is far lower then amongst the corporate suite and tie crowd that often get into cocaine and opiates like oxicontin, and other prescription meds. Third, dreadlocks will keep you from getting a job: false, I have worked in an office with dreads to the floor and was featured on the promotional materials that they gave away to clients (mugs calenders posters). The saturn rocket that got us to the moon were designed and built by someone with dreads, who now runs the largest biodeisel refinery in the counhtry. In fact on our website, we have another rocket scientist finishing his PHD to work for nasa, as well as several doctors, preists, ministers, law office workers, nurses, , teachers, you name it. There is no job that you can't do with dreads except fireman, fighter pilot, or anything that has a safety concern (requiring a tight fitting oxygen mask). By law dreadlocks discrimination is illegal because dreadlocks are a recognized expression of religious beliefs (not just rastas). Myth 4, only african americans and jamaicans should dread: false dreadlocks may have become popular because of bob marley and reggae, but dreadlocks were a part of every culture and religion on earth (almost). Examples: Jesus's dad Joseph had dreadlocks to the floor, so did john the baptist (whos job was to remove the original sin of the sinless jesus ( not an easy job to get ) ). Sampson as well was the most famous dread in the bible but many scholars believe jesus himself wore dreads (as his only hair refference said hair like wool, wool tends to matt) . The term jesus of nazereth was discovered to not refer to any known town in existence at the time, but instead may refer to jesus of the nazarites. the nazarites refer to an old testiment group that wore dreadlocks and had special diets according to the nazarite vow. the nazarites were said to be the only people worthy of entering heaven and speaking to the devine directly (without needing a preist to interperate) as well as said to be ther holiest of holy . Every other religion embraced dreadlocks a a sign of wisdom and holyness too. Hindu, many muslims, christians, jews, buddhist you name it all wore dreads. Next myth, dreads are looked down on: false (with exceptions). Although some close minded people re very vocal about howthey feel about dreads (based on the above myths), 99% of the people you meet on the street give you massive respect and admiration. In fact, my mom was like you, saying she was embarrassed to be seen with me, in fact avoided it and every conversation for 15 years involved cuutting my dreads (a real strain on our relationship). Then one day we went christmas shopping and practically every person thast walked by said, " i love your hair!". Then 6 old ladies in their 70's surround me saying they never saw anything so beautiful..in an instant my mom realized it wasnt something shameful but to be proud oif and her attitude changed. However Connor will face those few negative remarks .. Kids can be cruel, however that is part of what is special about dreading. You gain strength by inviting descrimination, you become strong, confident, and stop caring about that 1% that hates just to hate. Next myth, dreads need to be shaved if you decide you dont want them: false, you can comb them out even after years, not easily, but you can. Now reasons to dread and to let Connor dread. Dreadlocks are natural, the natural state of hair, and in todays plastic society where we are seperated from nature. Of course running off to live with wolves in a tipi, is an option, haha! Dreads are spiritual, dreading changes you, makes you strong, confident, and empowers you to be your true self. Dreads make you happy. Sreading has been known to cure many "issues" especialy social and body image like anorexia, self doubt, self loathing, depression, inferiurity isues and more. Dreadlocks build you up so you overcome many things that tear you down.
After this, I hope you keep this in mind, And I do respect that you are Connor's mom, and He's under your roof, so your rules, but hopefully this has changed your view on dreads!
Thanks so much,
Soaring Eagle
updated by @connor-dreads: 01/13/15 09:44:27PM