Fixing somebody else’s hair is often seen as a friendly intimacy, rather than labor. But either way it is arguably inappropriate, particularly for adult males taking care of children. For a woman to touch someone is an act of love, for a man to touch someone, or ask someone to touch him, is an act of violence. I’m not saying that ought to be the case, but it is now, at least in modern American culture. When I worked at a summer camp in the 60s, the kids were constantly touching us, hugging us, and sitting on our laps. I’ve seen quotes from scientific studies which said that young children away from home for the first time need physical’ touch to avoid feeling lonely. But I certainly wouldn’t do it now.

Here’s a true story from my own experience about the ambiguity of the meaning of touch, especially when racial issues are involved. I would appreciate hearing your comments.

https://teedrockwell.medium.com/dont-touch-my-hair-a-true-60s-morality-tale-ba2361333170