“It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a pubescent man in possession of a good jaw line must be in want of a beard.” – Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice, original draft

A fine beard can say a number of things about its owner including, “I am unemployed,” and, “I am a philosophy major, so I will be unemployed in four to six years, depending on my credit load and whether or not I take time off after graduation to join the Peace Corps, travel around and really find myself.”

It is also a fact that there are few communities better than Gainesville, Florida, in which to sport such expressive facial foliage. The city helped spawn No Idea Records, which in turn gave rise to “beard punk,” a musical style popularized by local bands such as Hot Water Music and Against Me!. You may be asking yourself what facial hair configuration has to do with music. One answer is that is has everything and nothing to do with music at the same time. A better answer is that you should zip it and listen to the guy with the beard.

A proper Gainesville beard is equal parts social statement, warning sign, conversation starter and friend. In certain circles – mostly around Common Grounds – a first-rate chin sweater can inspire fear and respect as well as envious hatred. A bushy mane can garner more “hipster street cred” for its proprietor than the most ironic t-shirt or the tightest pair of jeans ever could.

much more:

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20090507/columnists/905069939

nice

I'm not from Gainesville, but...



Yup...

I made myself shave and cut my hair in order to try and find a job

I look like I'm 20 with graying hair now. It really sucks.

Its not just Gville, It's everywhere. Beard is law.

That and I look like a 13yo without one.