Tell us a bit about yourself and your half a beard.
My half a beard look is a little about my history, and a little bit about social science.
Many years ago, I was badly burned; about 70 per cent of my body was burnt. I spent about three years in hospital, and the right side of my face is all scars, and hair doesn’t grow on that side. But of course, I could shave, which made me look less strange. So, for many years I shaved.
Then a few years ago, I went on a month-long hike during which I didn’t shave. When the hike ended, I looked in the mirror and I didn’t like my look. But I thought I’ll keep this half a beard for a few weeks. I posted a few things on social media, and to my surprise, I got some messages from people who thanked me for my half a beard. These were people struggling with their own injuries. I was out there with my injury, and that gave them a little strength. For example, there was a woman in her 50s, who had a car accident when she was 17, and she hadn’t worn a skirt since then. She said she is going to try doing that now.
But the real interesting thing happened about four months down the line, when I felt that my relationship with my scars and injury has changed. The act of shaving, or the act of half shaving, for me, was also an act of hiding. Stopping shaving was incredibly helpful for self-acceptance.
It was also about social science. I am a social scientist, and I did not predict that stopping shaving would help with self-acceptance.
If you had asked me, how would it feel like to not shave, I may have said, on the first day, people would ask questions, point at me, kids would laugh. But if you ask me, what would be the effect four months down the road, and how would it change your self-acceptance, I wouldn’t have been able to tell you. And I think that’s what social science is supposed to do.
Esta historia es de la edición July 2024 de Outlook Money.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición July 2024 de Outlook Money.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
Here's How To Claim Tax Refund If You Missed The ITR Deadline
The Income-tax Act, 1961, allows the refund of any excess income tax deducted on your income beyond your actual tax liability.
26 Spiels You Should Not Fall For
We have a list of 26 traps that you should avoid in your journey to creating wealth
Unified Pension Scheme
The Union Cabinet approved the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) on August 24, 2024, guaranteeing 50 per cent of the salary as assured pension for central government employees.
Unlocking Financial Freedom with Freedom SIP: A Beginner's Guide
Freedom SIP is the smartest way to finance your retirement because it allows you to ride the compounding rocket to build wealth, even by investing a small monthly sum.
Asset Allocation Strategy to Safeguard Against Market Fluctuations
Invest in different asset classes, such as equities, debt, gold, etc., so that if a particular segment doesn't perform in a given situation, others will come to the rescue.
The Role of Asset Allocation in Investing
A proper mix of asset allocation that aligns with investor's goals is key to the portfolio's long-term performance and reaching milestones.
Why Retirement Planning is Crucial in Life
Retirement planning is the key if you want a financially secure life in your sunset years.
IS SENIOR HOUSING FOR YOU?
Many seniors have taken refuge in senior living facilities in their twilight years as their children have moved abroad. While that may help them ward off boredom, they often come at a huge cost
WITH OR WITHOUT INDEXATION: WHEN DO HOMEOWNERS PAY LESS?
Calculating taxes under both methods-considering inflation and property appreciation-can yield a more precise result
Flexing Its Way Across Market Cycles
Very few funds meet investors' expectations of delivering superior returns across market cycles, and HDFC Flexi Cap Fund is one of them.