Why is zitkala upset when her hair is cut in the story the school days of an Indian girl?

Zitkala-Sa is upset when her hair is cut because it symbolizes a loss of her cultural identity and personal autonomy. In her Native American culture, long hair holds significant meaning and is associated with pride and individuality. The act of cutting her hair represents the forced assimilation into a society that dismisses her heritage and values. This traumatic experience highlights the broader themes of cultural conflict and the struggle for self-identity.