rick jones

“Skinhead, get a haircut!” The admonition is almost ritual in many Skinhead circles. The Skinhead culture has several signifiers including boots, braces, the flight jacket, and bleached jeans. Because clothing can be put on and taken off, it is the close cropped or shaved head that is the mark par excellence of a Skinhead. But why the emphasis on the shaved head? Hair is often a mark of individuality. Hair color and choice of hair style are very visible marks of individuality. When a man commits to a community or culture, to a brotherhood, larger than himself a surrender of a measure of individuality is often a hallmark of that belonging. Military recruits are shorn to incorporate them into the larger military formation. High school and collegiate sports teams will sometimes shave heads or other body parts before an important competition to build esprit de corps. At a more serious level, in hand-to-hand combat hair can give a handhold to your adversary. A Skinhead is not a man making a particular fashion statement. A Skinhead is a man who commits himself to a particular brotherhood, a community, an ethic of taking responsibility for self and others. A skinhead values, and will fight for, the stability and viability of his community rather than mere wealth or fame. A skinhead stands with his mates rather than for himself alone. A Skinhead’s cropped skull is an aggressive statement that he belongs to a brotherhood. It is a visual reminder that the Skinhead is one of a band of brothers. It is a warning that he will fight for what he holds dear. The daily ritual of clipping or shaving the head is a daily reaffirmation of “Being Skin.” The common and ritualized greeting where Skins rub each other’s heads or rub their heads together is a powerful reminder of the shared brotherhood. Skinhead is always a way of life. “Skinhead, get a haircut!”

Do not make the mistake of assuming that there is anything demeaning in this photo. These are both proud Skinheads. Men establish community through hierarchy. The Dom in his place and the sub in his creates the bond of Brotherhood.