The Daily From The Sunday Read Archives: ‘My Mustache, My Self’
Jun 13, 2021
Wesley Morris, a critic at large for The New York Times and author of the essay "My Mustache, My Self," shares his humorous journey of growing a mustache during pandemic isolation. He reflects on mixed reactions that transformed his facial hair into a symbol of identity and connection. Morris connects these experiences to cultural significance, discussing how grooming choices relate to race, masculinity, and self-expression. His narrative weaves personal anecdotes with broader themes of identity and representation in society.
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Mustache Inspiration
- During the pandemic, Wesley Morris grew a mustache on a dare with his friend Brian.
- A comment from his friend Nikita about the mustache's resemblance to NAACP lawyers sparked a personal revelation.
Mixed Reactions
- Reactions to Morris's mustache ranged from "porny" and "creepy" to "rugged" and "extra gay."
- His niece repeatedly asked when he'd shave it, while a friend excitedly exclaimed, "No way, mustache!"
Mustache Legacy
- Morris realized his mustache connected him to a legacy of Black American men, often lawyers, involved in civil rights.
- Figures like Thurgood Marshall and others wore mustaches as symbols of perseverance, seriousness, and rigor.