I Mustache You A Question Article <strong>an</strong>d photos by India Diggs 8 Saddleback College Magazine Why facial hair in men is coming back, <strong>an</strong>d coming back strong. In the last few years, something has caught my attention <strong>an</strong>d it wasn’t until recently that I couldn’t help but notice its signific<strong>an</strong>ce. Like <strong>an</strong>y other trend such as oxfords, iPhones, <strong>an</strong>d thick-rimmed glasses, the beard is back <strong>an</strong>d men are wearing it like no other. Where did the beard originate from <strong>an</strong>d what’s the big deal with it today? Well, back in <strong>an</strong>cient Egypt, pharos grew out long beards which signified wisdom <strong>an</strong>d maturity, Elizabeth<strong>an</strong> knights grew them to showcase their m<strong>an</strong>liness, <strong>an</strong>d men in the twenties did it for style—however, the style faded before that in the 15th century up until the twentieth, when the beard declined in popularity. Though it went in <strong>an</strong>d out of style throughout the ages, it’s back! I first beg<strong>an</strong> to notice this trend in some of my favorite b<strong>an</strong>ds: Front guy of Local Natives, Taylor Rice, pulls off one of the most impressive mustaches to date <strong>an</strong>d that’s <strong>an</strong> attractive attribution. A well-kept <strong>an</strong>d well-pulled off stache or beard c<strong>an</strong> pull together a certain look that will make people “I think it’s f<strong>an</strong>tastic <strong>an</strong>d c<strong>an</strong> be expressive!” -Aaron Schilling look twice—I do! When my favorite b<strong>an</strong>ds seemed to become the front-runners in facial hair growth, I looked to the environment around me to see if popular media was having the same old affect it always does, <strong>an</strong>d of course it was! Upon studying people for a fashion class, I also noticed the growth of facial hair in men, no pun intended. It seems to me that young men w<strong>an</strong>t to look older, cooler, more stylish, <strong>an</strong>d what better way th<strong>an</strong> to bring back a vintage style that was <strong>put</strong> on a pedestal in the 20s? They’re taking it back to create something new, something a bit dusty, yet missed. .Katy Yoshida is a 24-year-old Saddleback student who coincidentally is in a relationship with a facial haired fellow, says: “It’s definitely not a turn off” when asked what she thinks about this style. But, perhaps she was biased. When 22-year-old Saddleback student Aaron Schilling was asked what he thought, being a m<strong>an</strong> capable of such growth, he enthusiastically responded: “I think it’s f<strong>an</strong>tastic <strong>an</strong>d c<strong>an</strong> be expressive.” Expressive seems to be the right word—perhaps this is a different way of expression, a way of differentiating while still...fitting in. What about those who c<strong>an</strong>’t grow facial hair successfully? Well, the mustache has become a rather popular symbol. Ever heard of “Movember”? The icon is a mustache! Even the popular shoe br<strong>an</strong>d TOMS took part in Movember, designing a pair of their signature charity shoe complete with mustache. There are mustache attachments for the front of our cars, rings, necklaces, stickers, mugs, apparel, <strong>an</strong>d websites dedicated to mustaches <strong>an</strong>d facial hair. So, the trend is in the air <strong>an</strong>d everyone seems to have the virus. Even women are getting in on this by sporting mustaches on clothing <strong>an</strong>d in jewelry to show support for the odd, yet funky style. Perhaps it’s not everyone’s thing, but for the most part there is a mystery behind the mustache that carries allure that we may never underst<strong>an</strong>d, but it’s more th<strong>an</strong> welcome to stick around!
Saddleback <strong>college</strong> Student HealtH center On campus <strong>an</strong>d confidential Visit us in the Student Services center SSc 117 or online at saddleback.edu/shc 949.582.4606 Serving students who are enrolled in current semester. No charge for office visits. Minimal fees for other services may apply. Or<strong>an</strong>ge Appeal spring 2012 9
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