9. Giving a Haircut to A Goat Herder
This unique cross-cultural engagement in Jamaica illustrates how, in many domains of life, professional skills can create unexpected opportunities for genuine connection and support. When the visiting barber understands that a more polished appearance could increase the business opportunities for the goat herder, he shows remarkable cultural sensitivity and pragmatic expertise. Given the nature of the herder’s work, the adjustment was particularly significant: although showing goats to guests could seem informal, the professional appearance could genuinely lead to better interactions and maybe a higher salary. The goat herder’s positive attitude after the haircut confirmed the barber’s assessment to be correct. This story highlights the common language of caring and professional service that crosses cultural and financial boundaries and shows how professional grooming could influence economic possibilities even in unofficial travel settings.
