Recently, Chris changed his hairstyle to a green mohawk. I helped (it’s hard to get those straight by yourself). It’s not a permanent new look (maybe). Although I was pretty indifferent to it at first, I definitely don't hate it. It is a fun look that E laughs about and refers to as “silly”.
More than just being fun though, it brought up some thought-provoking discussion about how we perceive others. Someone commented that it could be seen as unprofessional for Chris in his dealings with school officials. That it might create a barrier for people that don’t know him. That they might make assumptions based on his appearance, rather than his character.
How we appear says something about who we are. Doesn’t it?
It reminded me of when I was 19 and died my hair blue. I applied for credit at the bank that day. I visited my uncle as he was grocery shopping for his dessert restaurant; he commented that the colour of my hair didn’t faze him, because he knew who I was. He didn’t see me as an irresponsible punk because he knew who I was on the inside.
How do we see those “punks” that walk down the street?
Chris and I often smile and exchange a glance when we see alternatively dressed youth walking down the street. We remember our youth and maybe envy them a little. We know from past personal experience that some people dress alternatively because they genuinely want to express something in that way. However, some people use their appearance as a way to foster their own insecurity. They are a lot like those friends of yours that don't want to come to your party because they don't believe anyone likes them. Then they spend the whole party against the wall with their arms crossed. They look angry because nobody will talk to them. They fear people won’t accept them. People don't want to approach them because they look scary. When people try to approach them, they are given the cold shoulder. I actually have to say that how people dress puts up less of a barrier than the non-verbal communication they give off with their body language.
Not that appearance doesn't affect things. We all make assessments and judgements, for negative or positive.
We can see a classy lady and think, “She must have it all together.” We can see a scruffy man and think, “He isn’t a productive member of society.” Meanwhile, the lady is suffering from depression and uses her appearance to create an illusion and the man is on vacation and enjoying not having to shave everyday for his job. It's not so much our initial judgements that are the problem. It is what we do with them. Do we treat people differently because of our assumptions or do we respect all people because we choose not to let image and our prejudices dictate our actions?
Does Chris’ green mohawk create a social barrier? Probably for some. Most people that bother to say anything think it's great. Why does Chris have a mohawk? To more easily identify with youth? To stand out at the comic-con? Maybe all of those things are influences, but I'd guess that he genuinely likes it.
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