On this day, 27 March 1942, France’s collaborationist Vichy government issued the barbershop decree, demanding that barbers collect cut hair and donate it to the war effort to make slippers and sweaters. The rebellious Zazous refused and grew their hair long.
Zazous were anti-fascist youths who wore dapper suits, listened to jazz and swing music by largely Black and Jewish musicians and fought with fascists on the street. Police rounded them up, and Vichy fascist youth groups hunted them down and cut their hair.
Learn more about them in our latest podcast bonus episode, available for our patreon supporters: https://www.patreon.com/posts/e72-1-zazous-and-80585692 https://www.facebook.com/workingclasshistory/photos/a.296224173896073/2238735182978286/?type=3
