We probably don’t think of getting a haircut as one of those activities that have an indelible place on our social calendar.
But for many guys, it’s a near monthly ritual, and a chance to gather together in a tight social circle and decide where we’ll head to for our grooming.
Before you dismiss this as a ‘metrosexual’ activity that’s more of concern to the minority well-groomed male, take a step back and think of the times your father decided to cut his hair.
Chances are, he’ll be thinking comparing the prices of the different barbers. “Should I go to the $7 Donald Duck barber that only cuts my hair or the $9 Mickey Mouse barber that includes a full facial shave, as well?” In this case, sound economical sense will prevail and the cheaper place always wins.
Taking a leaf from our dads, my suggestion to go to a salon that charges only $12 was met with much enthusiasm. The alternative, a place that charges $24 offers a full-package (hair cut, styling advice, 2 washes and the works) was pushed aside in favour of the cheaper place (haircut plus 1 wash).
To cut the story short, the $12 cut was more like a cut below the rest. To say it was a disappointment would be an understatement and it really made me wonder, “Is $12 the value of a bad cut today?” If so, how much more must we pay to find that elusive one who can just sculpt our hair the way we want it?
Is there a place where we can have a good cut for $12? Or has such a place gone down like the lost city of Atlantis, banished like an urban myth we can only reminisce about?
There’re many things in life we can’t take for granted, and if a simple haircut can teach me that lesson, then I say the price of a ridiculous hairstyle at a $12 fee was well spent.
In the meantime, if you see a guy walking around smiling sheepishly and absent-mindedly touching his head, do spare him the incessant stares. Who knows, one day that person might just be you.
Current Mood: ![[mood icon]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/mood/classic/wink.gif)
silly
Written by Bryan Loh
Anthropologists will agree that all cultures and ethnic groups require youths to go through rites of passage before recognising them as adults. Japan has the Genpuku where, according to this
website, the new adult will be given the “right to smoke, drink, and vote” after the process. Similarly, Koreans have their
Gwallye for youths aged 15 to 20.
However, beyond the ceremonies of individual cultures, there’s a more universal phenomenon.
Acne.
Acne, or pimples, is really humankind’s common coming-of-age process. They are the pockmarks (pun intended) of maturity that herald our development into adulthood, until we are considered “grown-up” enough by our bodies. However, this process is one that proves to be a bane to everyone. It might also be the single, most popular reason why people earn the nickname “scar face”.
Words fail to convey my detest for this facial ‘accessory’ and like many before me, I’ve had a personal vendetta against the annoying acne.
That was until I received this letter.*
Hi Bryan,
You might not know me, or even acknowledge me, but I’m the closest friend - if you consider me one – you’ve had for the past few days. I don’t have a human name, and you haven’t warmed up to me enough to give me one. Therefore, I’ll call myself Moe for convenience’s sake. You probably don’t know where I’m from or how I know you, but I’ve been with you ever since I could remember.
When you stayed up till late penning articles – I proof-read them.
When you played mahjong – I knew the tiles you played.
When you watched a comedy on television – I laughed with you.
No prizes for guessing who I am. Yes, I’m a pimple. Not just any pimple on the street or those found on other peoples’ faces, but your own humble pimple.
I’m writing to you because I know you don’t ‘feel’ me. You don’t understand me, or my kind. Therefore, I’ve decided to write a letter to you to help you out on this subject.
If you’re wondering, I live under your nose. You’re probably asking yourself right now if it was your lack of hygiene after blowing your nose that gave birth to me.
Think about it, you’ve got years ahead of you and you’re reaching the prime of your life. My life, on the other hand, is almost over due to my average 2-week lifespan. I can’t move, make friends, or socialise.
Can you imagine looking swollen, bloated and pregnant with bacteria? I can’t even diet! Come to think of it, at least people now notice you because of me.
Do you think that having a porcelain-smooth face is everything? I prefer to think that I add character to your face. Everyone goes through puberty at some stage in their life. It’s almost like a compulsory passport into adulthood. One day you’ll wake up and find your acne gone, and you’ll probably not miss me until the day pimples become fashionable. If that day comes, please spare a thought for me.
I hope that you’ll remember me in the future when you’re driving that hot sports car or snagging that cute girl. Remember the hardships we went through together and this letter of enlightenment.
Until then, take comfort that everyone goes through the same phase and since it’s unavoidable, embrace me.
Thanks.
Yours truly, Moe
*All accounts are fictional and are part of an experiment to delve into the mind of the Other.
Current Mood: accomplished
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