I Have Dreadlocks - Yes They Are Clean

Many times, when people see someone with dreadlocks, they automatically assume that person is dirty. I guess, this is from the media portrayal, and also, just from not knowing. Honestly, at one point, I said I would never get dreadlocks, they don't wash their hair. Talk about putting the fut in the mouth or...dread in the head...okay, that was lame, please forgive me.

But honestly, I usually sported the bald/low cut look for a majority of my life, that is, until I started to cultivate the dreads. Everyone has their own reasons for starting to grow dreads, and it's true, that there are various methods to do so, some of which are simply a neglect method, meaning, they just neglect to do anything to their hair, and eventually, locks will form. (Surprise, surprise...)

Some have spiritual reasons, some do it to be rebellious, others just for fashion, and some just to stay all-natural. For me, it was a blend of spiritual and personal. I've always been very impatient, I still am, I like instant results. So, growing dreads from a bald head definitely tested my patience, there were times I wanted to cut them, because they just weren't growing!.

I also deal with pride, right, you're saying who doesn't, well, growing this dreads most definitely teach you, or better yet, force you to learn humility. How?

People automatically assume certain things about you when you have the dreadies, and, you can see the looks you get.

Okay, so I bet you saying, well, I understand the personal, but how is that spiritual? Good question!.

I am also a Christian minister, a preacher-man or whatever you'd like to call it. I preach to people about Jesus, plain and simple. Hey, wait.....where are you going....don't leave! Ha, well, I never would have thought I would be used for this purpose, but anyway, you can imagine how apprehensive people are in everyday life, well, imagine a young man (I started in 2001 at age 19) trying to preach with these things on his head.

You know, some people get very legalistic...well, I don't want to get off into that, I'll save it for another article. Okay? OK.

Anyway, this is how growing dreads has been both a personal and spiritual journey for me, personal for the reasons I exposed, teaching humility and patience, and spiritual for teaching me the same exact things as it pertains to my ministry.

But please, next time you see one of the dreadboys or dread head ladies, don't assume they fall into the Hollywood stereotype. We wash our hair like everyone else, most of us anyway! Not all of us smoke marijuana. And despite what many think, dreadlocks are not only for African Americans. Dreadlocks have been around for years in all types of cultures, you'd be surprised how many different ethnic groups had the dread head. Everyone from remote village people to new age monks! The dreadlock culture is as diverse as the various cultures to which it's members belong.

Don't fear the Dreads!

Summary

My name is Joe, just a normal guy trying to generate some extra income through the Internet. I review available opportunities and report if they are legit or not.
www.normalguymarketing.com
IMwithJoe.com

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