CHANGING TIMES
AMERICAN CREW
REWRITING MODERN MASCULINITY W/ AMERICAN CREW
But the year is 2022 and as modern masculinity and male mental health are at the forefront of many important conversations, it’s time to rewrite what it means to be a man. As barbers, we play an important role in a man’s individual style and, in many ways, we also act as off-the-record therapists for our clients. As such, we have a responsibility to make sure that our barbershops are safe places for men to have vulnerable conversations and express themselves creatively with haircuts and styles that represent their authentic selves, free of the archetypal stereotypes of ‘masculinity.’ In redefining masculinity in the modern age, we first need to understand what this charged word represents. Taking a glance back at its origin, courtesy of the Oxford Dictionary, masculine is defined as ‘having qualities or appearance traditionally associated with men’ followed by a toxic slew of words such as ‘macho’, ‘red-blooded’, ‘laddish’ and ‘muscular’. It’s no wonder men have felt immense pressure to hide their emotions and dismiss self-care and grooming rituals when society tells them to equate their worth with a tough surface. The traditional masculine “look” has historically been synonymous with haircuts that call for minimal upkeep, little creative expression and zero personal style. But within the realm of modern masculinity, it’s time we encourage men to embrace their unique personalities through experimental cuts, styles and colour and allow men to express themselves freely, without gendered shame. When it comes to this movement, barbers are in the perfect position to begin conversations that can make a difference. We spoke with Omar de Silva, a passionate mental health advocate and the owner of Melbourne’s Men+Co barbershop, to get his perspective on modern masculinity and how he has created a safe space for his clients to express themselves within his barbershop.
CREDIT: LUKE MUNN
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Barbers have always had a unique front-row seat into the male psyche and the ever-changing notion of what it means to be a man. On the surface, the benefit of a trip to the barbershop may seem like it’s maintenance or a new look, in reality men want much more from their cut. Whether that be expressing their creative flair, experimenting with new sides of their personality or to gain a new sense of confidence, this traditionally isn’t something men have chosen to express, in fear that by taking an interest in their appearance they would be deemed ‘unmanly.’
