Hair for a Sikh, an African American, and a trichotillomaniac
Kes is an important part of the Sikh identity but it also carries social, cultural, and political meaning for more than just Sikhs. Recently, a film student from NYU explored this less explored cross-cultural perspective by speaking with 3 individuals from various backgrounds in an interesting (and short-18...
Truth and hair- always assert themselves
The conflict between modern ideals of beauty and the requirements of the Sikh faith came up in a prior post.  Recently, Sukhmandir Kaur Khalsa spoke eloquently on this issue in an Arkansas publication.  Excerpted below are Khalsa’s perspectives on hair, beauty, and truth. “I liken the...
The Dreaded Phone Call
The phone rings and its the call you dread as an uncle or older cousin. A desperate parent is on the other end asking for your help. Your teenage nephew/cousin wants to cut his hair. Can you please talk some sense into him. This happened to me last week with my cousin and, I have to admit, I was woefully...