Quarantine Moustache: From Barely There to Bold Flair

In the midst of the pandemic, many men turned to novel ways to pass the time, and one of these was growing a moustache. For some, this was a deliberate choice to try something new, while for others, it was a way to deal with the monotony of quarantine. The reactions were varied and often humorous, ranging from "porny" to "creepy." But one thing was clear: a moustache had the power to change the way people perceived you.

For writer Wesley Morris, the quarantine moustache journey was a personal and profound experience. He recounts how his 11-year-old nephew described his uncle's new facial hair as "creepy" on a Minecraft call, while his 7-year-old niece would comb it with her fingers, whispering "Uncle Wesley, when are you going to shave this thing off?" Despite the mixed reactions, Morris found that his moustache aged him but also gave him a sense of distinction. He notes that it looked fetching even with suits, which he had no logical reason to wear.

One afternoon, during a group call to celebrate a friend's good news, someone made a remark that resonated deeply with Morris: "You look like a lawyer for the N.A.A.C.P. Legal Defense Fund!" This comment, initially perceived as a winking correction, became a revelation. Morris realized that his moustache placed him within a mighty American tradition of thoughtful-looking, solemn-seeming, crisply attired gentlemen who stood alongside the wronged and imperiled. These men were often lawyers, and they were likely to have been mustached.

The pandemic forced many to confront their identities, and Morris found that his moustache was more than just a facial hair; it was a symbol of his Blackness. It pulled him past "mature" to a particular kind of "distinguished." His moustache became a reflection of his cultural heritage, tied to the historic figures who fought for justice and equality. It was a symbol of his commitment to social justice and a reminder of the significant role mustaches have played in American history.

As we emerge from the pandemic, many of us are reassessing our identities and what we want to project to the world. The quarantine moustache has become a symbol of resilience and creativity in the face of adversity. It has become a badge of honor, a reminder of the power of facial hair to change the way we perceive ourselves and the world around us.

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