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View Full Version : Ingrid Bethancourt's thoughts about hair



nayver
October 12th, 2008, 08:00 AM
Perhaps is not a popular person among some of us, but Colombian politician who was for several year kidnapped by FARC, has decided not cutting her hair. She explains why during an interview with Spanish newspaper "El Pais".

It is actually the last question of a long interview about politics. I tried to translate the best I could.

-Before we end, tell me, have you cut your hair yet?

-Talking about simbolism, HAIR IS A SYMBOL, a calendar. It is days of kidnapping, months, years. It is a way of remembering that others are still there, that I won't be forgotten, that the World won't be forgotten.

I think it is a lovely way of thinking.

Here is a pic when she was still kidnapped.

http://img291.imageshack.us/img291/9112/ingrid23102007yo7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img291.imageshack.us/img291/ingrid23102007yo7.jpg/1/w320.png (http://g.imageshack.us/img291/ingrid23102007yo7.jpg/1/)

Nowadays, she always wears a crown braid.

http://img381.imageshack.us/img381/5192/ingrid231020079nt4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img381.imageshack.us/img381/ingrid231020079nt4.jpg/1/w330.png (http://g.imageshack.us/img381/ingrid231020079nt4.jpg/1/)

ClareDee
October 12th, 2008, 08:13 AM
I think it's an interesting way to see hair. A record of the past, to keep with you.

A couple of years ago, this was the exact reason I cut my hair short, though. I felt like I didn't want the past following me around everywhere I go... I was associating my hair with everything in my past, including a fairly long relationship -- and when the relationship ended, I wanted to be rid of every remnant or 'record' of it, so to speak. And I'll admit, it felt good at the time - like a fresh beginning.

Having said that, I think I was acting out of a certain rashness -- I needed a quick fix at the time. I can look through photos and letters from past relationships now, and feel no anger or need to 'escape'. I'm sure I could have kept my hair and learned to be at ease with it again...

I suppose it can be hard to make peace the past, or see it somehow in a neutral light. It's quite remarkable that she can.

darkwaves
October 12th, 2008, 08:46 AM
I have great respect for her -- thanks for sharing her perspective on this. She looks lovely with that crown braid, too.

Indigosails
October 12th, 2008, 09:34 AM
She is a remarkable and strong woman. I have a great deal of respect for her. Those that remain in captivity need to be remembered.

Isa-belle
October 13th, 2008, 11:13 AM
I remember her saying this. It is a beautiful, meaningful symbol.
The only thing I was a bit sad about her comments on her hair was that she stressed she didn't really enjoy having long hair: "Ce n'est pas commode. C'est compliqué à entretenir, cela m'oblige à me faire des tresses" ("It isn't practical. It is difficult to maintain, and forces me to braid it").
Then again wearing her hair long was not a choice at first like it is for us - this may explain her mixed feelings.

Melisande
October 13th, 2008, 11:48 AM
She is a remarkable woman. Thank you for this quote. It makes seeing her long braid even more meaningful.

When I saw the picture of her in captivity, I thought, her hair looks so strong, if the person is like hair, she will survive it. And thank God, she did. May the others live to see liberty, too.

Vivien'
October 13th, 2008, 12:13 PM
Hi ! Thanks for posting this :)
I didn't know that. In fact, after his liberation, I wondered if she cut it or not. Glad she didn't.
In France (she's half-french) she is a very popular person.