Iran bans the mullet

For his sake, I hope this gentleman never plans a trip to Iran.

Iran has been known for doing some pretty bad things lately (and I use the term bad lightly). From the recent presidential elections and ensuing riots, the whole nuclear energy fiasco, and the complete bullshit about the Holocaust never actually occuring, Iran has done some pretty bad stuff. After I read this story I almost changed my mind. Then I realized it's Iran.

Apparently they are banning several hairstyles and one of those is the ever popular mullet. Now normally I'm for freedom of expression (Which really isn't a right, read the First Amendment people. Speech, religion, and assembly.), but the fact that they are banning the mullet is probably the best thing that country has done in a long, long while (actually given their human rights violations probably the only thing). Maybe others will take note and follow the example that Iran had started. Imagine if Chowchilla banned the mullet? The amount of haircuts that needed to be done could jump start their economy.

The only downside to the mullet being banned in the area is one less reason to go to the Fair. I guess we'd have to be content to just eating anything that was 2000 calories and deep fried.

Full source: guardian.co.uk

Phil Daoust, reporter

Imagine a country where a man with a ponytail could have it cut off by the cops, as could one with a mullet, or one whose hair was slathered in gel, fancifully spiked, or simply too long. Repeat offenders would face stiff fines, while their barber-accomplices would have their shops closed.

It may sound like paradise, especially if your own crazy-haired days are behind you. It's actually the Islamic Republic of Iran, whose cultural ministry has just unveiled (although that's perhaps not the most appropriate word in this context) a list of approved hairstyles in an attempt to free the country of "decadent" western cuts.

Jaleh Khodayar, who's in charge of the government- backed Modesty and Veil Festival, explains that the styles "are inspired by Iranians' complexion, culture and religion, and Islamic law".

It's not all good news for fans of the short back and sides, however: 1980s-style floppy fringes are acceptable, as are quiffs. And, worryingly, there seems to be a lamentable softening of Iran's hard line on goatees.