Introduction:
Zitkala, a Native American girl, did not like her hair cut. The reason behind her dislike for the hair cut was because her mother told her that mourners and cowards keep such hair. This statement influenced Zitkala's perception of her hair and contributed to her negative feelings towards it.

Explanation:
Influence of mother's words:
Zitkala's mother played a significant role in shaping her perception of her hair. Her mother told her that mourners and cowards keep short hair, implying that having long hair is a symbol of strength and bravery. This statement had a profound impact on Zitkala, leading her to associate her short hair with negative qualities.

Desire for long hair:
Having long hair was considered a beauty ideal in Zitkala's culture. Many Native American tribes valued long, flowing hair as a symbol of femininity, strength, and cultural identity. Zitkala, like many other girls, aspired to have long hair and viewed it as a desirable attribute.

Rejection of imposed identity:
Zitkala's dislike for her hair cut can also be interpreted as a rejection of the imposed identity. The decision to cut her hair was made by the missionaries at the boarding school she attended, who aimed to assimilate Native American children into Western culture. By cutting her hair, Zitkala felt that her cultural identity was being stripped away, and she resented it.

Importance of personal autonomy:
Zitkala's negative reaction towards her hair cut can also be understood as a desire for personal autonomy. She did not like anyone touching her hair, and the act of cutting it without her consent infringed upon her sense of control over her own body. This lack of agency contributed to her unhappiness with the hair cut.

Conclusion:
Zitkala's dislike for her hair cut stemmed from the influence of her mother's words, the cultural significance of long hair, the rejection of an imposed identity, and a desire for personal autonomy. These factors combined to create negative feelings towards her hair, as she associated it with mourning, cowardice, and a loss of cultural identity.