Shattered Uniformity
Wendy**Title: Shaved Heads and Hidden Struggles** In a near-future America shaped by Project 2025, a mother grapples with the pride and anxiety of her son’s enlistment in the U.S. Army. Initially, she believes in the Army’s values of unity and equality, but her perspective shifts when her Black son, forced to conform to “colorblind” grooming standards, experiences severe consequences from shaving his textured hair and beard. As pseudofolliculitis barbae takes over his scalp and jawline, the physical pain he endures is compounded by the emotional toll of feeling invisible. Dismissed by peers and superiors who don’t acknowledge the unique challenges he faces, his confidence crumbles. The mother watches helplessly as her son battles a system that promotes uniformity while disregarding diversity. Through a stream of consciousness narrative, she reflects on the broader implications of institutional policies that prioritize sameness over understanding. This poignant story reveals the profound need for compassion and adaptation in pursuit of true equality.
