To the Women of St. Baldrick’s
In Christian accounts, it is said that the mighty Samson would lose his superhuman strength if he cut his hair. Likewise, the Rastafari believe in an inner strength, symbolized by the Lion of Judah, and embodied in their dreadlocks.
Native Americans believe that their hair is a physical manifestation of the Spirit, allowing for extrasensory perception and a connection to all living things.
Our hair, it seems… has been extremely significant throughout the many cultures of history. From legend and folklore, to sex and capitalism. And we may think that our society is much more ‘civilized’ than the perfectly coiffed Pharaoh’s who are buried in the pyramids of ancient Egypt, but I’m not so sure that there has ever been a people so subjugated by the appearance of their mop, as 21st century women.
I think I can speak for most men, when I say that I have absolutely no idea of the burden that women seem to be forced to bear, when it comes to their hair. From the moment they are born, there is a great significance placed on its style and arrangement. It becomes a part of their identity. It is almost a separate, living thing.
A woman’s hair can affect how others see her, and treat her. It can sway the attentions of women and men alike. And it can, most importantly, affect how she views herself.
Women carry and unfair cross throughout their life, and I cannot imagine the pressure of being judged, every day, by my ability to style the outcropping of fleece that sits atop my larger-than-normal melon.
St. Baldrick’s is a charity focused on pediatric cancer. Their most well-known fundraiser is an event where people shave their heads in solidarity with children stricken with the disease, who have often lost their own hair. It is a beautiful and selfless act.
And especially for women, like my friend Heather (who was gracious enough to allow me to use photos of her and her son), I think it an incredibly courageous act.
We do not live in the time of the pyramids of Pharaoh, or the temple of Samson…but we do seem to live in a world that is as obsessed with physical appearance as any in history.
For anyone to shave their head in support of a child suffering the effects of cancer, is a truly admirable act.
For a woman to do it…is utterly and completely, heroic.
To the Women of St. Baldrick’s, I simply say, Thank You.
