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hawkgrrrl wrote:
The real problem with this, IMO, is that we create a hierarchical dresscode that is arbitrary, but it’s a class system. Conformity is the only path to leadership. What kind of culture is that? Not a spiritual one.
I agree.
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hawkgrrrl wrote:The real problem with this, IMO, is that we create a hierarchical dresscode that is arbitrary, but it’s a class system. Conformity is the only path to leadership. What kind of culture is that? Not a spiritual one.
The ocean of dark suits and white shirts at conference is striking and a little unsettling. I feel more at ease in my ward where about 25% of men are in colored shirts, sweater vests, facial hair, etc.
So how long do you all think it will be before a man with a beard can be in the Tabernacle Choir, serve a mission, be a Temple worker or a bishop? My guess is that we’ve probably still got a good 35 to 40 years to wait. I’ve known a bearded Bishop (but only one), and I think many of those restrictions will be dead in less than one generation. The overall societal issues and the composition of the Church simply aren’t the same as they were when the policies were solidified. There’s no telling how long the beard controversy will last. It will last as long as it’s kept alive, whether by the church as a whole, by BYU, or by local leaders … or is that all one and the same? In the late 80s, a particular Los-Angeles-area stake I served in as a missionary was extremely staunch about the absence of beards, and it was a topic of complaint by the members. Late in June, a few members, including some in quorum presidencies, started up a “Brother Brigham” contest to see who could grow the longest beard by July 24th.
😆 (I was transferred before the contest ended, so I never knew the outcome.)I’ve heard it’s to distinguish us from polygamists… doesn’t work for Warren Jeffs though. SamBee wrote:I’ve heard it’s to distinguish us from polygamists… doesn’t work for Warren Jeffs though.
A lot of the polygamists in the public eye are unbearded, so hopefully that’s another reason that will be dropped.
I agree. But stereotypes die hard. Even of pirates… The only one in recent times I can think of is, ?? Green.
A well groomed beard is perfectly okay IMHO, it would only be an unkempt one which would bother me.
On Saturday, I listened to a guy speak (not in church!!!) who had a fantastic long beard. Must have been a foot long, but he suited it, and obviously maintained it. It looked great on him.
Obsessed local leaders aside, I don’t look around and feel like the church culture is so very out of step since I rarely see facial hair on executives, politicians, school teachers, police officers, late-night talk show hosts, anchormen, dentists, military officers…. The preference or prejudice for a clean-shaved appearance in some walks of life is based in something not so neatly defined as one religion’s requirement. I think the church only had power regarding issues like this if you let them. Beards, colored shirts, pants for women, it’s all the same. My beard is getting longer and my hair might be a bit shaggy. People make ignorant comments to me so I am sure they also say things when I am not around. But if I give in to their dress codes and standards then they win. I didn’t grow my beard as a statement, but I chose not to shave it off as one. In the words of Phil Robertson: There are two kinds of people on God’s earth without beards. Women, and children, and I am neither.
That’s not true, Reflexzero. I’ve known some women who could enter a contest if they wanted to do so. :silent: Yes, we had a sister missionary with one! Old-Timer wrote:That’s not true, Reflexzero. I’ve known some women who could enter a contest if they wanted to do so.
:silent: LOL yep. I am reminded of an anecdote of a male temple worker who wondered why some of the sisters didn’t have to shave their moustaches too.
Check out this story I saw today: “Bearded Mom: When Women Grow Full-Blown Facial Hair”. It includes a picture. http://shine.yahoo.com/beauty/bearded-mom–when-women-grow-full-blown-facial-hair-185933917.html Culture is an interesting thing.
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