CHANGING TIMES
AMERICAN CREW
Barbers have a unique perspective on the ways that masculinity is changing and evolving. Every encounter with a client acts as a window into how a man thinks, feels and looks. Having worked as a stylist for over 40 years, Kai Schnitzler has utilised his unique insight into the male psyche and adapted his skills and services accordingly. Kai is the CEO of Mister Chop Shop, an establishment nestled in Sydney’s Surry Hills that all at once delivers on the time honoured art of barbering and a distinctly modern grooming experience. His diverse client list puts him face-to-face with all of society, readying business tycoons for board meetings, musicians for the stage, and proud fathers for weddings. We asked him to answer a few questions relating to the ever-changing gentlemen of yesterday, today and tomorrow.
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THE CHANGING FACE OF MASCULINITY W/ KAI SCHNITZLER Why is looking good important for men? Caring about one’s appearance, in the right way, is an essential trait in the mens’ world that garners attention, money, jobs, respect and confidence. The truth is that everyone cares about their appearance. It has always been like that, from the first time a caveman coloured a pelt and wore it over his shoulder instead of that out-dated loincloth. Those who say they don’t care are most likely lying. Of course men care how they look. Even if a guy has a great personality, a suitor looking for a date still hopes he’s at least a little cute. A few minutes spent spiffing yourself in the mirror before you leave home reinforces the idea that you deserve success and good treatment in your own mind.
How have you seen men change over the years? Is it hard to keep up? The modern man is completely different from the men years ago. Modern men rarely play the role of the breadwinner or the main base of the family. Usually, both partners share the responsibility of making money. There is always a little difference between generations, but the men of this generation are poles apart from their fathers and grandfathers. That’s a good thing because it could trigger a huge change that will ensure the future is much brighter than the past.
