Beardos
“A beard is a scarf that works great while bike riding,” and other observations on the significance of facial hair in the beardiest city in America.
Seth Gross, 35, N, bar owner
“I’ve never seen my dad without (a beard); as my brother and I became adults (my dad) would express disappointment, friendly of course, at our lack of trying to grow one, and for keeping our hair too short! After high school, I moved to a fishing and logging town in Alaska. Beards were everywhere. Some of the beardos we’d see up there blew my mind. Beards that are more than four decades old! It created a sense of normalcy—a big beard was typical. Another reason I love beards is my personal distaste for manicured facial hair. Focusing on what part of your face to shave and what not to shave, without irony, seems a little vain. Heck, even just shaving on a regular basis seems like you’re trying too hard. I feel lucky to be part of a community that embraces beards. My beard-growing goes with my life philosophy: not why, but why not?
“(Yet) I have been contemplating a change; all my friends at work have implored me not to shave. This leads to what might be a drawback to having a big beard: it becomes who you are, a permanent part of your identity. Without the beard, would I get the same respect from friends and strangers? Would I miss being part of the club? Are these things I should worry about? As far as this particular beard: although I still struggle as far as sideburns are concerned, this beard is definitely my best yet.”
Brush up on your facial hair history with our web exclusive: Whiskery History, Trendsetters of the Bearded Northwest.
Published: January 2009
