CW attemtped to grow a mustache yesterday, half in jest, half curious as to the reactions it would receive (note reactions overwhelmingly pointed to shaving it this morning). I'm always at a loss when I see someone that has never had a mustache before and all of a sudden comes into work with a fresh Saddam Hussein classic. It got me musing about when it becomes acceptable to grow a 'stache
Professions - Obviously there are some professions where this is more acceptable than others. There are the obvious semi-mandatory jobs where it's weird if you don't rock a mustache (cops, firefighters to some extent, and male porn stars). Two that fly right under the radar in the mustache-aficionado world? Lumberjacks and Janitors. If there is anything the Brawny man has taught us is that those who clear trees wear mustaches, though no one is quite sure why yet. Janitors, think back to childhood, those friendly folks (maybe a little too friendly sometimes...) sweeping the floors and cleaning up our cafes always had mustaches. Now think about your office...ditto right? I'd argue that 2/3rds of all janitors rock mustache's, females included. As for why, its fairly obvious, either to disguise themselves from anyone who might recognize them and find out they're a janitor. Or, to allow the easy change of appearance for when they skip town on sexual assault charges (funny list of more professions here).
Age- Well obviously CW was too young to attempt this. My attempt looked downright creepy, and almost as if I'd simply forgotten to shave my lip. Not a good look. The girlfriend was calling me Pablo (apparently facial hair has racial implications). Pennypacker ignored it until I brought it up, at which point he said he noticed it but wasn't sure if he should say something, in other words he treated me like someone with a physical defect. That was all the evidence I needed. I still don't know the age where an American male is rightfully allowed to grow a mustache but I'm going to assume it's sometime after 30. I'll try again in a few years.
The good news for all you Arab-Americans, though you may lack many of the fundamental civil liberties us white folks take for granted, google searches have indicated that it's acceptable for males of Arab descent to grow a mustache as young as 13-14 years old.
