I HAD my hair cut “semikalbo” a few weeks ago because I was tired of the preppie boy-next-door style and I wanted to try a more mature look. I also got a stylized horizontal “scratch” on the left side of my head because I wanted “art” to be a physical part of me, in this case, via my hairdo. I had it done on the left side so that the guards in my building wouldn’t notice it whenever I would enter the premises.
Of course, going out after classes is a different story. There had been a couple of instances when I was reprimanded by the guards for my haircut. One time, they even threatened not to let me in until I get a new haircut: skin head. Stubborn as I have always been, I still keep on entering and leaving our building, blindly hoping that my hairstyle wouldn’t be noticed again. But there really are unlucky days when I am caught offguard, and I would say: “Wala namang nakasulat na bawal ang ganitong gupit sa building na ito ah?” to which they would often answer: “Dapat alam mo nang bawal iyan.”
Now, why the hair talk?
As an artist, I firmly believe in freedom of expression. And being the dedicated photographer I am, I have practiced this sense of freedom countless of times, even if it meant going against authority if only to get that perfect shot. I remember one instance during last year’s Paskuhan concert, when the head of the Office for Student Affairs firmly instructed not to allow anybody to get on the stage, not even a member of the press or a Varsitarian staffer, for that matter. But I’m not one to waste an opportunity, especially with my creative juices already flowing inside, showing me a vision of a wonderful concert shot worthy of representing Paskuhan ‘08. So I went up the stage, bypassing organizers, and took a picture of how I envisioned it to look like. Indeed, it was beautiful, and I was satisfied.
Another instance I can recall wherein freedom of expression triumped was when I took a picture of Mt. Pinatubo’s crater. I was physically limited by the craggy landscape, but I didn’t want that to hinder my creativity. So despite the danger of standing at the edge of the volcano, risking a deadly fall, I pursued what I had in mind, not wanting my creativity to be limited, unlike others who just stayed in their safety zone. Eventually, my daring paid off, as that shot of Mt. Pinatubo’s crater won first place in a contest I entered.
My list of my “daring adventures” can go on and on. But simply put, I won’t allow anybody to confine my creativity. For me, physical appearance (hair style included) is no exception to the principle of artistic freedom. Besides, I recall the building policy stating that men’s hair shouldn’t touch the uniform collar at the back, and I don’t exempt myself from this rule. However, I find it funny and weird that a male student is allowed to grow his front hair to any length he desires. Talk about double standards.
I understand that the college administration in general is only after the neatness and formality of their students, but then again, why are they so concerned about the hair at the back touching the collar, while ignoring the hair in front? Why am I being scolded when in reality, I follow the standard haircut rule?
It bothers me to think how this could be read as censorship and repression.
