I caught this on the news recently and it really touched a nerve. The People's Republic of Ontario has seen fit to introduce legislation that requires the province's barbers to undergo training and certification as "hairstylists" (at the barber's own expense, of course), including learning to administer all of the requisite services that go along with the title (perms, highlights, etc.) and offering them to the public. Non-compliance results in fines to both the individual barber, and the proprietor.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/ont...-1.2326264
The traditional barber shop is one of the few places remaining where men can reliably go to be almost exclusively among other men, and be unashamedly male while doing so. The shop I have had the privilege of going to for a number of years has been staffed by the same four Greek barbers for decades. Now well into their 60's, they have been cutting hair professionally since they were in their teens, are the funniest, most ingratiating bunch of guys one could hope to encounter and founts of some often profound bits of wisdom gained through their many years of experience. All are consummate professionals well-versed in the old-fashioned art of customer service and skilled at their trade. Their shop acts as a sanctuary of sorts for the men of the neighbourhood. There is always a soccer match on the tv that, invariably, evokes heated debate among barbers and customers alike. It's a great atmosphere and having such an establishment to go to makes having a haircut something I look forward to. These men are more than a utility, they are craftsmen who take pride in their work. A dying breed already, it pains me that asinine regulations such as this will likely thin their numbers even further and hasten encroachment into yet another traditional male space.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/ont...-1.2326264
The traditional barber shop is one of the few places remaining where men can reliably go to be almost exclusively among other men, and be unashamedly male while doing so. The shop I have had the privilege of going to for a number of years has been staffed by the same four Greek barbers for decades. Now well into their 60's, they have been cutting hair professionally since they were in their teens, are the funniest, most ingratiating bunch of guys one could hope to encounter and founts of some often profound bits of wisdom gained through their many years of experience. All are consummate professionals well-versed in the old-fashioned art of customer service and skilled at their trade. Their shop acts as a sanctuary of sorts for the men of the neighbourhood. There is always a soccer match on the tv that, invariably, evokes heated debate among barbers and customers alike. It's a great atmosphere and having such an establishment to go to makes having a haircut something I look forward to. These men are more than a utility, they are craftsmen who take pride in their work. A dying breed already, it pains me that asinine regulations such as this will likely thin their numbers even further and hasten encroachment into yet another traditional male space.