Black Barbershop

[Cain]

I just watched The Colbert Report and Stephen's guest, Henry Louis Gates, mentions the free intellectual exchange of ideas that goes on in black barbershops. Now, I'm white. Or at least I look white. Well, that's what people tell me. Anyway, whether you're a "brother" or a white devil (and we have many) I want to know if you've been in a black barbershop. And don't say the topic of conversation was boxing! Liar!!

I had in mind something in "the hood" -- not some pleasant, middle-class, mostly black suburb outside Chicago, two towns over from where Ferris Bueller and Kevin McCallister live. I'm thinkin' Compton.

[JoeEllison]

I've been in "black" barbershops lots of times... and no one ever shouts for a m*********** iced tea. :rolleyes:

What do you want to know?

[Wolfman]

I didn't see a "No, because there are no black barbershops in China" option.

[Redtail]

Been going to them for 30+ years. My Uncle was a barber in East DC so I spent a lot of time in his shop when I was in town. I've been to the Suburb ones, the "hood" ones, and the country ones.

Like Joe said, what do you need to know?

[JWideman]

I don't even pay for haircuts, let alone go out of my way for one.

[Cain]

OK, Joe and Redtail... How's the atmosphere? Is it a distinctly different experience than a whitebread barbershop? What about as a cultural experience. People might say "OmiGod, you've never seen X movie." Or "oh my dear Lord, you've never tried... Chinese food." And Redtail, if you're black, as your avatar suggests, then what about when some sourcream whiteboy comes in? And I don't mean white boy from the hood, with a half-black biological brother and a long-lost Puerto Rican father. I mean white boy named Ian, wears glasses, and asks for a "flat top."

[mrbaracuda]

I don't think we have black barbershops here. Unless you count all the Turkish ones I guess.
But what do I know, my little friend here charges me over the electricity bill :P

http://img178.imageshack.us/img178/3397/philipshaarschneider115co2.jpg

[fuelair]

I just watched The Colbert Report and Stephen's guest, Henry Louis Gates, mentions the free intellectual exchange of ideas that goes on in black barbershops. Now, I'm white. Or at least I look white. Well, that's what people tell me. Anyway, whether you're a "brother" or a white devil (and we have many) I want to know if you've been in a black barbershop. And don't say the topic of conversation was boxing! Liar!!

I had in mind something in "the hood" -- not some pleasant, middle-class, mostly black suburb outside Chicago, two towns over from where Ferris Bueller and Kevin McCallister live. I'm thinkin' Compton.
Yes, many times. Nowadays though I go to the multibranchers because they are easier to find and frequently have discounts. The fact that my response to how I want my hair done is "like this, just shorter" may give you an idea of the importance of haircuts in my life.:)

[JoeEllison]

OK, Joe and Redtail... How's the atmosphere? Is it a distinctly different experience than a whitebread barbershop? What about as a cultural experience. People might say "OmiGod, you've never seen X movie." Or "oh my dear Lord, you've never tried... Chinese food." And Redtail, if you're black, as your avatar suggests, then what about when some sourcream whiteboy comes in? And I don't mean white boy from the hood, with a half-black biological brother and a long-lost Puerto Rican father. I mean white boy named Ian, wears glasses, and asks for a "flat top."

You're intentionally trying to be funny, right?

What I've noticed is that the least friendly barbershop to go into is an old Southern one filled with really old white men. Those always seem like semi-exclusive "clubs," and they don't treat new customers with much respect. Every other barbershop experience I've had, in any neighborhood, has been pretty much equally pleasant. Currently, I go to a salon to get haircuts from a tattooed biker chick with a passing resemblance to Kate Beckinsale. :D

I avoid the chain hair cut assembly lines, though... bad haircuts with long waits at average prices just doesn't do it for me.

[Loss Leader]

I get my hair cut for free at the local barber college.

[Lurker]

My wife cuts my hair. Never been to a black barbershop but am interested to know if it is anything like how they are portrayed in movies.

[Policenaut]

I used to go to one across the street from my apartment. I didn't notice any great philosophical discussions just the normal everyday banter with the added bonus of a large flat screen tv.

[JoeEllison]

My wife cuts my hair. Never been to a black barbershop but am interested to know if it is anything like how they are portrayed in movies.

I don't know... I've never been in a barbershop staffed by the mentally handicapped, like in those movies.:eye-poppi

[Redtail]

OK, Joe and Redtail... How's the atmosphere? Is it a distinctly different experience than a whitebread barbershop?

Very much so. From what I've seen the conversations, while quite often similar in topic, have a tendency to be MUCH more animated. It can be incredible to the barbers themselves and how they can keep track of several conversations at once, their eyes rarely leaving the customer's head, and their lower body in near constant movement.

What about as a cultural experience. People might say "OmiGod, you've never seen X movie." Or "oh my dear Lord, you've never tried... Chinese food."

This is the greatest difference. (of course) There is somewhat of a hierarchy that goes mainly by age.

Children are allowed to pipe up if directly addressed or for entertainment reasons (think Kids Say the Darndest Things) This ends quickly with whomever brought the kid there giving the kid a hush up now sign.

Teenagers pretty much talk only to those in their age group unless directly addressed. If the teen is an athlete and the subject at hand is a game they recently played, they have free reign.

College age is the trickiest. The absolute worst thing one could do is take a history course or two then come back home for a visit and try to show off by blathering to people about a particular era/event that they lived through. They will wish they had tried to rape a full grown Kodiak using a badger as a condom.

Mid 20s to late retirement it changes to more of a status thing. Got a good job nice family and act like you have some sense, you're fine. If you're a bum you will hear about it until you straighten up. (Actually you never stop hearing about it it's just more of a joke. No screwup is ever forgotten. I can go back to my old Barber shop in NC and within 5 min Some one will bring up the Candice Johnson affair. Don't ask...:boxedin:)

Once one is retired, you pretty much have a free pass to say whatever to whomever but you still have to stay on your proverbial toes.

And Redtail, if you're black, as your avatar suggests, then what about when some sourcream whiteboy comes in? And I don't mean white boy from the hood, with a half-black biological brother and a long-lost Puerto Rican father. I mean white boy named Ian, wears glasses, and asks for a "flat top."

I am and Ian would be teased mercilessly. Half the shop would start humming White and Nerdy and the other half would respond in the stereo-typical, Black comedian, White guy voice "Sure! We'll be right with ya buddy." Then Ian would be asked for input on the subject at hand and if he can hold his own or have sense enough to say "I don't know" if he doesn't know, then the teasing is scaled down. If the subject isn't a "hot button issue" and Ian disagrees (Best Football team for instance) and holds his ground while not outright disrespecting the hierarchy that's instant level jumping.

If it's a shop in a really bad "hood". I dunno they might take his wallet.

[Redtail]

My wife cuts my hair. Never been to a black barbershop but am interested to know if it is anything like how they are portrayed in movies.

If the movie Barbershop were a 10 and you turned that down to a 6 that would be about it. Of course not EVERY shop would be like that but the general mood was right.

[mrbaracuda]

using a badger as a condom.

Which way to do you put it on? :confused:

[Soapy Sam]

I used to have a barber who was a born again Christian. He'd start lecturing me about the bible, even with a queue of people waiting.
I didn't mind, because apart from his wierd obsession, he was a nice bloke and a good barber.
He moved away and was replaced by a bloke who talks about football. I 'd like my loony back, please.
(Everyone in this post was white. No animals were injured in writing the post. Conditions apply).

[Madalch]

I 'd like my loony back, please.
If the haircut only cost a buck, why bother asking for a refund?

[steverino]

I was just wondering, since this is in the "Politics" forum, is there some tie-in with Obama's hair?

[fuelair]

. They will wish they had tried to rape a full grown Kodiak using a badger as a condom.

t.


I will have to find some place to use this - it's too good for just a thread here. and I must ask, which end of the badger goes, uhh, over the head?

[CrikeyBobs]

My current hair 'stylists' are pakistani. There's little in the way of conversation (I like to close my eyes and rest), but sometimes there's a recording of (I assume) Koranic scriptures being played. It's right next door to an english place, which I used to use, but one day it was closed when I needed a cut, so I switched allegiance (and saved nearly 50% - bargain!).

[Fnord]

No (simply because I would not travel out of my way for a haircut).

I'm cheap. My haircut costs me $8.00 once every six weeks, and this includes a $2.00 tip. My barber is a 60-something vietnamese woman who "spee ingli nah so goo", but she knows how I want my hair cut.

If she were replaced by a black person, my only hope would be that the cost would not go up - all else being equal.

[BPSCG]

Never been to one. The barber shop in my neighborhood has a mix of barbers of various ethnicities, but somehow I always end up with the Chinese woman or the Vietnamese woman, neither of whom knows more than about four words of English. When they ask me "How you like?" I answer, "Generally the girl riding on top, but whatever suits you is fine as long as I get off and I get a good view of your goodies" and they answer, "Hokay" and cut my hair whatever way they like.

They have the radio tuned to the local classical music station, which naturally pleases me, but I also find interesting, since the owner (chair 1 when you walk in) has his big-ass Harley parked outside and he somehow doesn't strike me as a classical music listener.

[Ateius]

I go to the barber's shop to have my hair sheared, not to engage in lively debate, and usually just close my eyes and wait while they work.

Now, if this hypothetical black barbershop was offering, say, a 50% discount ... I'd go out of my way for that. ;)

[Gagglegnash]

Hi

Barber... Shop...?

http://home.insightbb.com/~alsohlstrom/BarberShop1.jpg

What is this Barber... Shop... of which you speak??

[EeneyMinnieMoe]

I get my hair cut for free at the local barber college.

And who says that Jews are cheap? :p

I'm a white woman and I've never been to a black beauty shop. Or any majority non-white hair salon or some such place.

In the first place, no one I know spends less time and money on hair than I do. I've had two haircuts since I entered college, if you can believe that. I certainly wouldn't go out of my way to get one, unless it was free or significantly cheaper. In the second place, I hate to admit it but I wouldn't feel comfortable being the only white person among a group of all-black or all-Asian or all-Hispanic women. :boxedin: As a matter of fact, I'd feel like an idiot just walking into one. :boxedin:

If it counts for anything, I've been to quite a few Polish hair salons in Greenpoint. The prices are much better than almost anywhere else in the City and the service is the same or better- but the atmosphere can be like being stuck at a sewing circle. :p

[TX50]

The guy who usually cuts my hair is Surinami, does that count?

[Radrook]

....

[quote]I had in mind something in "the hood" -- not some pleasant, middle-class, mostly black suburb outside Chicago.....



No thanks. Might not make it out of the hood in one piece or alive. Assuming that you what mean by hood is the gang-ridden high-crime area which the word "hood" connotes. Actually, since I cut my own hair and do a better job of it than most of the barbershops and hair styling salons I have ever gone to I have no need for such risky adventures-especially since I'm not black.

Additionally, assuming that the barbershop were in a low-crime neighborhood and going elsewhere would involve longer travel time-I would still go elsewhere because I don't totally trust barbers whose experience is mostly with typical Afro American hair texture to do a satisfactory job with my type of hair. So why risk it?

Furthermore, my personal experience in my attempts to use facilities where Afro Americans predominate has been that they react with discomfort and have no qualms in making their discomfort known via inferior service, intimidating behavior-such as cold stares or snide remarks or remarks to the effect that one should go elsewhere. So even in a good Afro-American
neighborhood I would prefer to go elsewhere where I can feel at least there is a greater chance of being treated in a neutral manner and not as some intruding anomally.

BTW

If your experience has been different then go ahead. Me? No thanks!

[UnrepentantSinner]

I don't get my hair cut [strike]very often[strike] as often a my job thinks I should, but the last three were at plain old white people cutteries. About 22 months ago I went to a barber shop and had a Mexican-American guy cut my hair. November '06 I went to a salon and had a Thai woman married to an Iranian cut my hair. And on TAA2, I got a haircut in Anchorage from a Filipina married to Cuban-American.

We didn't talk much about politics.

[schplurg]

I had in mind something in "the hood" -- not some pleasant, middle-class, mostly black suburb outside Chicago, two towns over from where Ferris Bueller and Kevin McCallister live. I'm thinkin' Compton.

Compton? That definitely makes the idea less attractive! As another poster has said, if the barber in question mostly dealt with African-American hair that would concern me, as I have white-guy hair. If he routinely cut white-guy hair...well I wouldn't go out of my way, and certainly not to Compton, but I wouldn't otherwise have a problem with it.

Curious...why did you add the "would you go out of your way" to go to a black barber? Why would I? And even more curious...Compton? It's as if you're begging for a "no" answer. I think making all things even - distance to travel, and placing the barber in one's own neighborhood - would have yielded more interesting answers. I can't imagine anyone saying yes to the question you posed. "Ya, I'm a white guy and I'll gladly drive 10 miles further than necessary to get a haircut in Compton!"

:boggled:

I do go to a small barbershop though, rather than a salon. The guy has been running the shop for 40+ years, has plenty of regular customers, of which I am becoming one of.

I'll bet we have the same interesting (or not) conversations as a black barbershop...politics, cars, the way the neighborhood has changed. I would wager that all types of barbershops are very similar to each other and the black barbershop is not as unique as people might think.

My question...as a 40 year old balding man, why don't I get a discount?

[luchog]

I'm protesting the lack of a Planet X option.

Besides, I have had my hair cut only once in over 10 years now; and that was only to get rid of some split ends. If I was to get my hair cut again, it would be at shop in my old neighborhood, for the sole fact that they're inexpensive, and staffed mostly by hot tattoed and pierced "freak" girls.

[hammegk]

I will have to find some place to use this - it's too good for just a thread here. and I must ask, which end of the badger goes, uhh, over the head?
Approaching the Kodiak with the badger's teeth pointed at the bear might be best?


As to a black barbershop in the hood; no way, jose.

[Mason]

I avoid black barbers simply because the two dozen I've been to have been unable to cut white hair properly. They comb my hair into the shape they think it should be, then cut off the stragglers which do not stay in place. Viola! Haircut! This might work for black hair, but not for white hair.

More specifically, they comb it straight forward, run the clippers from back to front, box out the hairline, and make it look ridiculous. For those who don't realize, clipping from back to front makes the hair lay down and only cuts the ones that pop up as the clippers pass, instead of picking the hair up and cutting every strand to the proper length. The result is hair of a variety of lengths which obviously isn't going to stay in the shape the barber combed it into for the cut. Ugh.

Those were in multi-racial barbershops, but as for specific black barbershops, I've been to five or six. In addition to the bad haircut, the wait was ridiculous. Cuts take 3-4 times as long because they spend so much time talking to each other and clowning around. This has been consistant with all of the shops (only 5-6) I've been to. The act the same way in the multicultural ones, but they're at least a bit faster, if still slower than the other barbers.

So, the slow service and bad cuts keep me from going to black barbers for all but the most desparate of circumstances. I voted the racist option, since this is one area where I will definately make a decision based on race and not continue trying to give the benefit of the doubt to new barbers.

[DaChew]

My barber is half white, half black. We have sort of an odd community in that the local area is rural but about 60% black. There are two cutters in the shop currently. The owner and a guy who was born and raised in Israel and moved here (Michigan) about 4 months ago.

The owner lives and breathes barber shops as a place where people, mainly men, basically hang out waiting for their hair to grow. He takes as long as he wants to cut your hair depending on the conversation and what game is on the flat screen on the wall. He shaves your buckshots with a straight razor and hot lather. He's got a couple of those old vibrating hand massagers. You can get a full shave with hot towel and that wintergreen alcohol rubdown.

His father sits in the chair at the end either reading the paper, playing chess with one of the locals or explaining in loud detail the scientific proof concerning the superiority of Marines over the lesser portion of humanity.

I don't know how I should vote in the poll above.

[corplinx]

I used to have a barber who was a born again Christian. He'd start lecturing me about the bible, even with a queue of people waiting.
I didn't mind, because apart from his wierd obsession, he was a nice bloke and a good barber.
He moved away and was replaced by a bloke who talks about football. I 'd like my loony back, please.
(Everyone in this post was white. No animals were injured in writing the post. Conditions apply).

My barber is an old, quiet, california raised, mildly racist, atheist, ex-karate instructor.

We mostly talk about where I am going diving next or where he is going on his motorcycle next. He has one chair and at most there is one person in the shop waiting his turn since its appointment only. Music is on but it is mild and usually of the 60s,70s instrumental variety.

I don't go to the barber to see animated people of any color carrying on like its a party. I go to get my hair cut.

[Cain]

Sorry to interrupt the Klan meeting. Goddaaaaaamn we have a lot of white devils up in here. Hey, I know let's make fun of how Asians pronounce ow favowit engrish words. And what's the deal with people talking about "white" hair? You do mean Caucasian hair, right? Whatever that means. Those of you have had bad experiences with black barbers.... I suspect some of you probably should have taken off the hood before gettin' in the big chair.

So, I got my hair cut a couple days ago, at the place I usually go. Seven bucks, plus two dollar tip, which is more than 20%, which makes me Mr. Big Time). As usual the woman was flummoxed when I said I wanted it "short and neat." She gets into specific questions that I do not know how to answer (number four??) and I assure her "I'm not picky." However, I did have a beard that she kept trimming and I would politely say, "I'll take care of the beard later. Homegirl kept on snipping at it, comin' back to it until I snapped at her.

Rook:
I would still go elsewhere because I don't totally trust barbers whose experience is mostly with typical Afro American hair texture to do a satisfactory job with my type of hair. So why risk it?

What a risk! I totally understand -- it's not like it'll going to grow back or anything.

Furthermore, my personal experience in my attempts to use facilities where Afro Americans predominate has been that they react with discomfort and have no qualms in making their discomfort known via inferior service, intimidating behavior-such as cold stares or snide remarks or remarks to the effect that one should go elsewhere. So even in a good Afro-American
neighborhood I would prefer to go elsewhere where I can feel at least there is a greater chance of being treated in a neutral manner and not as some intruding anomally.

Goddamn snooty black people.

"Ya, I'm a white guy and I'll gladly drive 10 miles further than necessary to get a haircut in Compton!"

It's just a one-time thing. Do you go ten miles out of your way to go to restaurant? Or maybe you're coming from that way already and you might as well stop off.

Also, I was at the library the other day and I saw this black guy with a comb in his hair. I was like "what the hell... is a black person doing at the library?" Just clownin'. OK, so I've seen this before, on television. You know, some black men stick a three/four pronged comb on the side of their head. So I ask a friend, "Hey, should I do that?" And she says, "You can't because a comb wouldn't stick in your [straight] hair" and let me just say that that's 100% ********!!" (you can't see because of the asterisks but ******** is all-capped there). She looked so ****** stupid when I took out a (six inch) comb and stuck it in my hair. "See!" What an idiot. I was like a mother-****in episode of Mythbusters.

[RandFan]

Also, I was at the library the other day and I saw this black guy with a comb in his hair. I was like "what the hell... is a black person doing at the library?" Just clownin'. I'd ask but never mind. It's good sig material.

[schplurg]

It's just a one-time thing. Do you go ten miles out of your way to go to restaurant? Or maybe you're coming from that way already and you might as well stop off.

You asked if I would go to compton, or a similar neighborhood. My answer is no! Have you ever been there?

And what's the deal with people talking about "white" hair? You do mean Caucasian hair, right? Whatever that means. Those of you have had bad experiences with black barbers.... I suspect some of you probably should have taken off the hood before gettin' in the big chair.Don't you mean African-American barbers? :rolleyes:

I was being nice before. I didn't want to actually say how stupid I think your question is. Would I drive 10 miles out of my way to go to a black barbershop in Compton. H-E-L-L NO! And I haven't seen a yes to that question in this thread. Why would I?

I don't feel a need to make some politically correct BS point by doing such a thing, or lying by saying that I would.

And yes, I go out of my way to enjoy different restaurants. But unlike a haircut, I like variety in my food. If I'm getting a good haircut from my barber now, why would I go anywhere else, especially out of my way to Compton?

What a risk! I totally understand -- it's not like it'll going to grow back or anything.Why "risk" a bad haircut if you're already getting a good one? You seem to have asked this question simply so you could get mad at those of us who answered it. You've received some very honest answers in this thread.

Also, I was at the library the other day and I saw this black guy with a comb in his hair. I was like "what the hell... is a black person doing at the library?" Just clownin'. OK, so I've seen this before, on television. You know, some black men stick a three/four pronged comb on the side of their head...... etc etc etcUh....what?

[Complexity]

Well, Cain, it seems there is little you won't do for attention.

This is a lousy thread.

Can't think of a single reason to let you stay in my world.

[Cain]

You asked if I would go to compton, or a similar neighborhood. My answer is no! Have you ever been there?

'da hood? [n-word], please.

Don't you mean African-American barbers? :rolleyes:

No, not really.

I was being nice before. I didn't want to actually say how stupid I think your question is. Would I drive 10 miles out of my way to go to a black barbershop in Compton. H-E-L-L NO! And I haven't seen a yes to that question in this thread. Why would I?

I don't feel a need to make some politically correct BS point by doing such a thing, or lying by saying that I would.
...
You've received some very honest answers in this thread.

Yeah, yeah, yeah. Go you n' stuff [twirls finger, rolls eyes]

[Lilith]

I've been cutting my own hair for going on 20 years. I have a terrible time letting it grow ... one "bad hair day" and out come the scissors. It stays short. My boyfriend would be happy to let me cut (what little is left of) his hair, but he would miss the social aspect of it (!). It is not a black barbershop that he goes to.

[Ysidro]

[quote=JoeEllison;3476538]Currently, I go to a salon to get haircuts from a tattooed biker chick with a passing resemblance to Kate Beckinsale. :D

[quote]

I think I'd travel out of my way for this place! ;)

[linusrichard]

Black people hair is different from white people hair, right? Doesn't it make sense to go to someone who has experience cutting your type of hair? I would have absolutely no problem going to a black barbershop except that I would guess they have almost exclusively black clientele, and might not have as much experience or skill working with my type of hair.

Someone correct me if I'm wrong here.

ETA: I don't see my choice in the poll. "Yes" doesn't fit. Neither reason for "no" fits. I don't make fun of black people for saying "ax" instead of "ask." (Partly because many black people don't say "ax" for "ask," partly because some white people do say "ax" for "ask," and partly because "ax" for "ask" is a nonstandard usage that dates back at least as far as Chaucer (yes really), and I don't feel like messing with something with that venerable a pedigree.) And I do have an opinion. Oh well.

[zooterkin]

Currently, I go to a salon to get haircuts from a tattooed biker chick with a passing resemblance to Kate Beckinsale. :D



I think I'd travel out of my way for this place! ;)

You beat me to it!

Otherwise, currently, my daughter cuts mine with electric hair clippers. I'm old enough not to be vain about my appearance (not that I ever was), and the odd 'mistake' seems to amuse her :)

I don't really understand how you'd get such a culture developing around a barbershop. How frequently do people need to get their hair cut? I get mine cut at most once every couple of months, so how do you build a community around that?

[RandFan]

Race in America, IMO, is a gotcha game. There seems to be a dichotomy of racist and non-racist. No nuance or subtlety whatsoever. Most people know that it is best to keep ones mouth shut to avoid the inevitable "gotcha... you're a racist". No politician in his or her right mind would every use the word "niggardly" again. It would not matter at all if you used the word correctly. Intent has little bearing on the issue. There is a saying in marketing, perception is reality. If one uses the word "niggardly" then ones intent IS racist for that simple reason.

It seems to me, that this is the intent of this thread. Not to have a serious discussion about race but to reveal those who are racist whether they know it or not.

What does not going to a black barbershop in the hood reveal about any single individual? From an anthropological stand point it reveals absolutely nothing in and of itself. It could be indicative of racism but then it could be a lot of things.

I think our best bet for solving the seemingly intractable problems of race relations is open dialog. Sadly that's not encouraged at the moment and the attitudes typical of what I think the poll and OP represent makes things much worse and not better.