Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow
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Uploaded by journeymanpictures on Mar 1, 2010
March 2010
How does a deeply spiritual offering from Indias poor become a must-have accessory in the salons of Europe? As fashion and faith collide, religious sacrifice is fuelling a multi-billion dollar industry.
Every year millions of Hindus shave their heads in offering to the gods. Its called tonsuring, and its big business. On average we are getting in excess of five tonnes, says hair dealer Mayoor Balsara as he finalises his latest purchase from the temples. Its a classic globalisation story: the sacrificial hair is cheaply sourced in the developing world, and is lining the pockets of those in the west. David Gold is one of them. Each year his company turns over $150 million selling hair extensions sourced from Indias temples. He deflects questions of ethics, arguing that the temples pour profits back into local welfare projects. Its a dubious claim, and yet many Hindus seem happy for their hair to be spun into gold: We gave it to God, and its come back like this. Its beautiful.
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So black hair without the pigment is blonde hair? Wouldn't it be white? lol. One time, I went to a unisex hair salon and asked them to make me bald (I'm a guy). They tried to dissuade me, but I wanted the symbolism of a new life (don't ask). Where was I going with this? I changed my mind. I shouldn't say. lol.
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@princessmeow123 LOL that is so true most black girls if not all wear hair extensions am not excluding myself though because am black....
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Can someone please tell me the culture where men or women sit and have hair snatched out....not shaven but pulled out?
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If people cared about being compensated then they would sell their hair - not give it willingly out of the good of their hearts or for their beliefs, Let people do as they please without pitying them. I agree that the business is mean, un-caring and greedy, but it doesn't make the people who want to freely offer their hair ignorant, The people here will most likely not be swayed by knowing their donations are making money for other people. They will most likely feel it's God's will.
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I wish the people who gave up their hair would be compensated. My mother had cancer and we learned that "indian remy" hair made the best wigs. It's also very expensive. We payed a lot of money (no complaints) but I wish that money would support their community and not some hair dealer who doesn't even believe their religion
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@AlquimistaD Well, the immunization shots demonstrably save lives :P
But still, it seems to me that it's more of a symbolic thing. The willingness to accept the loss and allow it to grow back... eh. I don't totally get it, but I can see how it could be woven into a viable morality 'fabric' to teach kids to be good people.
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@92benno92 Benno, don't be so ethnocentric. The analogy is that these people BELIEVE that having their child shave their heads is good for them. I'm not telling you to use your outsider's point of view to judge. In our society, immunization is good for children--and in their society, their culture and religion dictates their belief.
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@92benno92 The belief is that forcing a child to sacrifice is good for their child. It's like forcing a child to get immunization shots despite the child kicking and crying
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what is their point? , the poeple even said its not about the hair , they could care less about the hair taken off , its about the sacrifice , its about the will to do such a thing , the hair will grow back
These hair offerings seem to be given freely. The people interviewed did not care that the hair was later sold though I'm sure some might if they knew. It may be less about exploitation and more about us not understanding the religious and cultural motivations of others.
I am grateful for this industry because since developing alopecia some of this hair ends up in my wigs. This is why I can afford quality hair replacement. For some of us, the reasons are medical rather than mere vanity.
trj1922 9 months ago 6
@AlquimistaD
Except an immunization can save your life and is necessary, yet shaving your head in this case is for the monetary profit of someone else. It is nothing like an immunization. Making a sacrifice for the sake of it does not compare to a minute of pain in exchange for health.
What a terrible analogy.
92benno92 6 months ago