Rattails: Commenting on poor parenting

By: Matt Tycksen

Posted: 12/5/08

We've all seen "that kid." The one with the long braided patch of hair flowing elegantly behind the rest of his short- trimmed head, and most of us dreamed of having one of these forbidden hairdos as children. But in retrospect, why did most of us avoid ever having one? This question has plagued me for many restless nights, and I have come up with two possible conclusions: kids with rattails were either the product of lazy parenting, or they were disaster children with a taste for trouble.

In my opinion, the possible scenarios are most likely linked, as problem children are quite often the result of inadequate parenting. However, both sides must be closely examined. It is likely that "lazy" parenting would allow for a more lenient view toward a child's decision to obtain a rattail. But on the other hand, it is also likely that a problem child would grow a rattail regardless of parental involvement, and would use it to his own mischievous ways.

First, we must investigate the attitudes of the children who wear their hair in this obscene manner. Most rattail owners are young children, typically between 6 to 12 years of age; however, it is not unlikely that a rattail may wiggle its way into adolescence and occasionally into adulthood.

Why do these children spend time growing this piece of hair? Is it a statement of their determination? I for one believe that it is a show of their childhood-manliness. Wearing a rattail automatically deems you respectable in the realm of children. But as these youngsters mature, having a lengthy tuft of manicured hair becomes less and less socially acceptable, so why do we see college-aged men wandering around town with them fashioned to their skulls? The answer lies back in the childhood of the individual.

When a child makes the decision to grow a rattail, however innocent he may be, it is ultimately up to the discretion of the parental figures to allow for the child to keep it. This seemingly insignificant choice made by the parents has drastic implications on the life of the child. It can cause the child to understand the power associated with owning the hairstyle, but as time progresses the power will ultimately turn to ridicule, causing lifelong emotional damage.

Because of this, the blame for rattails lies solely in the hands of the parents. In today's society they must fully understand what position they are putting their children into when they allow for such radical haircuts as the rattail. We must hold parents accountable for their decisions, as the more abundant rattails become, so do the likelihood of problem children roaming our elementary schools.

Matt Tycksen

diversions@dailybarometer.com