| FUZZ - MEN & RAZORS |
| Just In - Miscellancous | |||
| Tuesday, 30 December 2008 09:00 | |||
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Toronto-based psychiatrist and author Dr. Allan Peterkin wrote the book on the history of men’s facial hair and now brushes through the current fuzz phase. Facial hair is in style big time these days. What do you suppose it is about this particular time in our history that has men doffing the razors? This wave of facial hair hit in the mid-’90s post-grunge era - mostly goatees and partial beards and combinations with sideburns and was widely adopted by men of all ages, cultural groups, gay and straight. At that time, men were expressing playful rebellion (“I’m not a corporate slave like my dad/grandfather and can get away with this at work”) and were taking cues from rock bands, athletes, fashion mags and actors. Older men and boomers were also trying to look young and hip and could balance balding and disguise jowls with facial hair. Some say it was also a response to feminism - this is something we can do that women can’t. These days there’s also an anti-militaristic bent as there was with hippies and Vietnam. The trend shows no signs of slowing down. Again, short/partial/combo beards are mainly in style, but some young guys are now growing big bushy beards as well. Like so many trends today, there’s always that sense of wonder if it’s just people today copying what was done in the past. Do you see any unique characteristics about this current point in the history of facial hair that we may not have seen in the past? Absolutely everything has been done in the past with the exception of those pencil-thin, architecturally precise growths (a-la boy bands) and this was likely because razors have become ultra-precise and perhaps men have become more vain. We are seeing stubble with full moustaches or sideburns overlayed which is a newer expression, but the separate components have all been seen before. If there’s one thing men who donned facial hair have had in common throughout the ages, what would that be? Generally men have shown their affiliations and social status though facial hair. We used to take cues from our kings and clergy, but now take our cues from celebrity culture. We still want to emulate our heroes often because they appear masculine and non-conformist Knowing what you know about the history of facial hair, what advice would you give men about it? You might want to consult your partner before you grow new fuzz or shave off the facial hair you had when you met. Eleanor of Acquitane ditched her French husband after he shaved off his beard, took up with an Englishman and this led to war between France and England! Surveys also show you may also be less likely to be hired or elected if you’re furry, especially in finance, so keep that in mind.
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