Is there really such a divide ?

I've been looking at some of thee odd threads, and I'm really sorry if I'm picking at old wounds and annoying everyone...

But is there really such a divide between people who backcomb and people who just go natural ?

Am i walking into the middle of a dreadlock civil war?
Or does it really not matter if I'm happy?

I always thought the choice to have dreadlocks was a personal one, and normally meant more than just a hair style.

Do i have to pick a side, and there ideas?
Or does it not matter, as I'll get dragged into it anyway?

I just find the whole thing confusing, and I'm asking why the divide?
And what keeps it going?

I thought I'd be getting dreadlock for myself, it's a bit upsetting to find out that people can't even agree and be happy with each other when it comes to something that is seen as almost spiritual...

 

I love you.

 

Ha!
Thanks.

I just always thought dreadlocks were almost an escape from the day to day, mainstream life people get so wrapped in.

I always hoped I'd walk down the street see someone with dreadlocks and we'd both nod, and smile and know that what ever other people might say, at least there are other people who want the same escape.
And yet it seems all the petty conflicts that come with everyday life, are just even pettier here

We all make a choice to have dreadlocks, all accept that we might get crap from other people (my friends have had strangers question them...) but at least we all made the choice together.

A bit nieve perhaps.
But sadder that I'm disillusioned already i think.

 

I agree 100%, I have been caught up in this shit so long, I can't even remember what the argument is about

 

i can see why some people might feel strongly about how the dreads are formed...but only because they grew theirs purely for religious beliefs...however (and i wont claim to know anything about that particular religion, including how to spell it rastafarianism?) like i said, i dont know shit about it, but i'd imagine that they teach some sort of acceptance too (as most religions do, until you get into the extremists)...

there's no right or wrong way imo...and there's no reason anyone should knock one idea over another...

one love and whatnot, ya know? there seems to always be exceptions to the rules though

 

you said your dreading for spiritual reasons as did almost all dreads (except the homeless that dreaded for lack of a comb, but that can be spiritual too) in the past dreads had always been a deep spiritual journey that caused both hardships and enlightenment it took a huge commitment of both time and lifestyle
today you see emos goths ravers headbangers evenamerican idol contestants going to salons to get a look to look cool pretty much spitting in the face of those who dread for spiritual reasons (wether rasta or other,rasta is just 1 of many religions and spiritualities that embrace dreasds, which include jewish christian muslim hundu druidic hell egyptuian aztec pagan you name it)
its when dreads had been cheepened to just being a fashion statyement and when further they were bought or made instead of grownn that the devide came in..

you look forwards to seeing dreads and nodding sharing a kinship and understanding, a spiritual connection while others..snub the dreads that have dreaded for spuritual reasons..they dont taklk tothem to try to understand theyre ways..they dont make eye contact or nod..they act like hahaha i got dreads and u cant stop me ..but mine are just to be cool..heehee
theres no attemopt at all to grasp the spirituality behind the dread

and the further they devioatre from the principles held by the spiritualy dreaded the greatter the devide.. using a comb to dread is sacriligouse to any traditional dread culture..its the poloar oposite of everything they believe in but we all have dreads isnt that what matters? the answer is an odvios bno.. when the way you get the dreads goes against everything the spiritual dready believes in..then when you spout hate eat meat have a negative sattitude drink alcahol..it just adds insult onto insult onto insult
is it any wonder some may say you dont sdeserve dreads if you dont respect what dreads mean to every dread thats come before you throughout history?

 

I completely understand that, but how many people can call themselves Rastafari ?
And how many claim it because they have dreadlocks?
That's like claiming you're Christian because you go to Church every Christmas.

Having dreads doesn't make you Rastafari, it's not a requirement.
Hell, most of the don't drink, and some combine smoking weed with reading the bible.
Somehow i doubt there are many here who follow those principles.
Yet there is an issue between how your dreadlocks are formed.

So for the reasons above i don't think religion is a factor, at least not for the majority.
So why ?

Sure, the natural way shows patience and to some people it's a journey of the mind & soul, but surely having a go about people who don't do it naturally just undermines this journey.

I'm just at a loss, and i really want to understand!
I don't want to be parading my dreadlocks around, all happy, to find myself committing some faux pas and not fully understanding what it means to have them.



'Nothing is more terrible than ignorance in action.'

 

to me, a big part of dreadlocks (and one of the major reasons i want them) is to be happy with who you are...

as long as you can honestly say that you are happy with yourself, and your dreads, then who cares what anyone else thinks, regardless of whether they have dreads?

you know your reasons, your intentions, be content with that

 

Plus, i can't help but think that at least 90% of people dread their hair because they like the look.
It's might not be the first reason, or even the tenth for that matter.
But i think everyone here likes the look of dreads, and ultimately that has to factor into a reason they do it.
On some base level at least.

 

I know i should, and it should be like that.
But the fact that everyone is judging you, even people you don't expect makes me feel like I'm treading on peoples toes.

I do like dreads.
both the look of them, and what connotations it brings.
I think it is a journey, but i think that the journey depends on the person taking it.
I think i'll still backcomb, because i lack patience.
But i'm okay on that.
I just cannot understand why a divide exists in a relatively small subculture, thats more often spiritual than not.

 

you could always twist and rip instead of backcombing...

it's an acceptable compromise from what i understand (dont quote me on that though!)

 

Tattoos, piercings, incense, tapestries... need I go on? There is obviously great controversy and divide amongst people using these because the general population has deviated so far from their original spiritual purpose.

The only division comes from people spreading misinformation and calling it truth when they have absolutely no experience. That and the fact that one side of the fence (which consists of one person) tries to convince every single person that neglect is the only way worth going.

The only division is a direct result of egomaniacs who have their hair for so-called spiritual reasons and refuse to accept that many people today have dreadlocks for less than "worthy" purposes.

Dividing walls can be blown down, but only when both parties are ready to accept it. One side is ready, has always been ready, never saw any controversy besides bullheadedness, and the other has alienated himself with grandiose illusions of superiority.

 

..still goes into winning the battle and not the war, no matter what there will always be ppl against your beliefs. Accept it and move on.

 

The most intelligent thing said in this post!!!!!!:

You dont need permission from anyone to do what you want with your head. You do what you feel happy with...period!!! Weather you are rasta, emo, headbanger, homeless.....geeze....its your head!!!! What kind of shit is that to even think you can own a hairstyle and have to approve of anyone elses decision..or the method. Its a crock of shit...and ignorance and narcissism at its finest!
There is nothing wrong with YOUR CHOICE to backcomb either.

 

omg, were arguing about arguing. I swore i would never do that again. Dam it!

 

That seems a little...flippant i guess the word could be.
People don't accept things for many reasons, and you can never put it out of your mind.

Knowing this, i just want to know who i would be alienating and for what reasons depending on my dreading method

 

id really like to hear your rationalization of your extreme narcissism and intolerant view of other subcultures and beliefs.

 

well thank you

can that count as my resume? you my suga mama yet?

 

I prolly should be i don't regret bringing it.
A road you've all been down i don't doubt, but new for me.

I just didn't want to be disillusioned by the fights.
But i guess that the majority just don't care, or care enough not to say anything.
And that, i can live, and dread with!

 

Here...just one. Real life ya see a bunch of rastas getting ready to chase ya down the road...run like hell!!!!