Ain't gonna happen
The mustache is mostly associated with wrestling fans, porn stars and men over 40, Mr. Della Valle says in the film.
Allan Peterkin, author of "One Thousand Beards: A Cultural History of Facial Hair," explains that the mustache has always been identified with what he called "the three F's: fops, foreigners and fiends." In other words, men who are extremely well groomed (including gay ones); men from Spain, Italy or Latin America, and men who are portrayed as untrustworthy or demonic.
"Historically, some very dark figures wore mustaches," Mr. Peterkin said. "Hitler, Vlad the Impaler, and most of the images of the devil have mustaches."
From the NY Times.
Ten months after I shaved my mustache, people -- men with facial hair mostly -- still tell me I should grow it back. But while some of your comments indicate you see me as a dark figure, I'm not a wrestling fan, porn star and don't want to be seen as just another old guy over 40 (even though I am).
For a smile, here's my look with the mustache:
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Comments (7)
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So did Allen copy you or vice versa? Whose mustache went first?
I think at least one of you should be required to regrow the mustache.
You look less like Magnum P.I. and more like Mr. Rogers without it.
Posted on November 4, 2006 1:21 AM
The mustacheless you is
James Taylor. I'm going with
Dabney Coleman for the mustachioed you.
I am also hereby announcing that I will be awarding a cash prize to whomever comes up with the best look-alike for each of your two looks above. (The entries of brian444 and me will be taken into account by our judges).
The judges will be monitoring this page hourly. Good luck everyone!
Posted on November 4, 2006 8:08 AM
I vote "no" on proposition 'stache. The Dabney Coleman/James Taylor analogy was spot on.
Posted on November 5, 2006 12:29 AM
Since we're voting and I'm already one down, I should clarify that my comparisons were more rhetorical and hyperbolic--that is, pushing toward extremes of persona--than literal. So please consider my criteria as you pull the virtual lever. Also, don't be subconsciously swayed by the short-lived Dabney Coleman vehicle "Buffalo Bill," in which Coleman (as I recall) played a journalist.
Posted on November 5, 2006 12:48 AM
You look good either way.
...more distinguished without
Posted on November 5, 2006 4:51 PM
Thanks, everyone. I think.
Me, I prefer the 1970s look of Mark Spitz or Omar Shariff.
Posted on November 5, 2006 6:23 PM
I agree, John. Leave it behind. Think of Borat. He's a newsman with a moustache. And he's from a developing nation. You're from a proud, modern nation.
(That said, Omar Sharif, ca. "Dr. Zhivago", cut a pretty rakish figure.)
Posted on November 6, 2006 5:37 PM