Here is a light but interesting tidbit that may shine light on what we are dealing with. Note, I did not, as I had considered, title this post "See, Bush is not so bad" for the obvious reason that he is so bad. But at least we have not gotten
this far (taipeitimes.com) yet.
North Korean state television is showing a series of programs instructing shabbily coiffured men on the personal grooming required of a citizen of the vehemently anti-capitalist state.
It's not just fashion advice...
Breaking with the Stalinist tradition of broadcasting the names of model citizens, a second series named guilty parties. A hidden camera exposed long-haired men at various locations in Pyongyang.
Some ran away, while others were given the chance to explain themselves. Several said they were too busy to get a trim. Their names and addresses were given as a warning to others.
For the authorities, it seems, grooming and attire are crucial to protecting a political identity.
The articles states the program instructs that "Hair should be kept between 1cm and 5cm in length and should be trimmed every 15 days", but it also said, "men over 50 may grow their hair to the positively bohemian length of 7cm on top to hide the effects of balding"... and that, my friend is some compassionate totalitarianism for you, thinking about the special needs of the elderly.
Not that 50 is elderly... it's young! But it's shaken hands with elderly.
BTW: Deal Leader has a bouffant NOT IN ACCORDANCE with this dictum.