Trauma beards

Follicular traumatic expression caused by the WGA strike is the subject of Ben McGrath's "Strike Beards," a piece in the 1.7.08 New Yorker. "Beards have always marked transitions in men's lives," says Allan Peterkin, author of "One Thousand Beards: A Cultural History of Facial Hair."


And so, McGrath writes, "we get Al Gore after the election (whiskers of grievance and release), and Ted Kaczynski in his cabin (isolation, madness), and Johnny Damon with the Red Sox (superstition) -- all iconic beards in their proper context." And now David Letterman and Conan O'Brien and scores of striking writers, including Saturday Night Live writer Colin Jost. Asked to describe what he's got growing so far, Jost says, “Let’s see...it’s sort of a Russell Crowe, 3:10 to Yuma beard.”

I can't even grow a Seth Rogen Knocked Up man-beard. The best I've ever managed is a pathetic Bob Dylan-on-the-cover-of-New Morning-beard.

Posted by Jeffrey Wells on January 1, 2008 at 10:26 AM

comment #1

Dan Revill Author Profile Page says ...

You're not a manly man Wells. YOU can't grow a beard!

Posted by Dan Revill Author Profile Page at January 1, 2008 4:17 PM

comment #2

Breedlove Author Profile Page says ...

I've been rocking a beard for about a year now for the first time. Everyone should try it once. Funny how the moustache has become basically a joke, though.

Posted by Breedlove Author Profile Page at January 1, 2008 5:14 PM

comment #3

bdboudreaux Author Profile Page says ...

I too am about a year into my first beard. Grew mine out last year when I ran out of after shave and was to busy to stop by the Aveda store to pick up some more (hey what can I say my wifey is picky about how I smell). Long story short, I think the beard is in fashion right now, especially with us "creative types." At the commercial editorial I work at all but one of us male editors is currently beardless. I'm also noticing a lot more men in NYC rockin' em in general. So come on Jeff, grow out the Dylan beard, the stache doesn't need to meet the beard for it to be good.

Posted by bdboudreaux Author Profile Page at January 1, 2008 5:58 PM

comment #4

BurmaShave Author Profile Page says ...

If someone can find a picture of Conan with a beard, please post it, as I would have thought it impossible. Maybe his voice also dropped during the strike. I kid, I kid.

Posted by BurmaShave Author Profile Page at January 1, 2008 6:05 PM

comment #5

Mr B Author Profile Page says ...

I've had a beard for about 8 years, does that mean I am in perpetual transition?

Posted by Mr B Author Profile Page at January 1, 2008 7:52 PM

comment #6

EOTW Author Profile Page says ...

That neck beard thingie, Jeff Tweedy calls that a "neckard." I like that. He grows it out completely. Looks good.

Posted by EOTW Author Profile Page at January 1, 2008 8:00 PM

comment #7

Jay T. Author Profile Page says ...

I grew out a beard for the first time last year while spending a few months in New Zealand and Australia. Wasn't planned, just happened. After the trip I trimmed it down to a goatee and have kept it ever since (about a year now). Transition? Yeah, I guess technically it was a transition period for me, but really came about as a matter of convenience. And yes, I think the beard is in right now, mine has directly inspired several others.

Also, bdboudreaux: don't feel bad, I too use Aveda shaving gel - it's great stuff and one of the few creams/gels I can shave with without irritating my skin.

Posted by Jay T. Author Profile Page at January 1, 2008 9:01 PM

comment #8

PerfectTommy Author Profile Page says ...

I want to see Leno grow a beard. What an extrodinary amount of hair that would make.

Posted by PerfectTommy Author Profile Page at January 1, 2008 9:38 PM

comment #9

Richard_Stone Author Profile Page says ...

BurmaShave: Conan's three-days beard.

Posted by Richard_Stone Author Profile Page at January 1, 2008 11:27 PM

comment #10

Richard_Stone Author Profile Page says ...

Ah dammit, http://www.nypost.com/seven/12042007/photos/tv097b.jpg

Posted by Richard_Stone Author Profile Page at January 1, 2008 11:28 PM

comment #11

Richard_Stone Author Profile Page says ...

Furthermore: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iMSle00Nhms

Posted by Richard_Stone Author Profile Page at January 1, 2008 11:30 PM

comment #12

nemo Author Profile Page says ...

I've had about 5 beards in my life. I used to grow one after every major illness, since by the time I recovered I was already well underway. I'd usually keep it about a year or more.

My wife made me quit because she hated it. Not so much the look, but the scratchiness of the thing.

Posted by nemo Author Profile Page at January 2, 2008 11:05 AM

comment #13

Jay T. Author Profile Page says ...

Oh, man... Conan needs to shave immediately.

Posted by Jay T. Author Profile Page at January 2, 2008 11:35 AM

Leave a comment