Beard Trends and Cultural Significance

The video explores the fluctuating popularity of beards over time, highlighting historical trends, the influence of capitalism, and modern resurgence. It discusses how beards were once a symbol of strength and individuality, became associated with radicals, and fell out of favor. The tech boom and new business elites have revived beard popularity, but a theory suggests that 'peak beard' may lead to a shift back to cleanshaven looks.

What percentage of men in the US had beards according to a report by Simmons?

• 10%

• 14%

• 20%

• 25%

Which era saw almost half of men featured in the Illustrated London News with facial hair?

• Late 1800s

• Early 1800s

• Early 2000s

• Mid 1900s

Which US president was the last to have facial hair?

• Abraham Lincoln

• Theodore Roosevelt

• Woodrow Wilson

• William Howard Taft

What did Stephen Mihm suggest about the prevalence of beards?

• They are unrelated to economic trends

• They are a sign of rebellion

• They are a fashion statement

• They are tied to trends in capitalism

In the late 19th century, beards became associated with which group?

• Business elites

• Artists

• Politicians

• Radicals

What did Harper’s Weekly label the cleanshaven trend as?

• The clean look movement

• The revolt against the whisker

• The beard rebellion

• The whisker revolution

What industry is associated with the resurgence of beards in recent times?

• Finance

• Tech

• Healthcare

• Education

What is the concept of 'peak beard' related to?

• The maximum length of beards

• The peak popularity of beards

• The decline of beard styles

• The rise of beard grooming products

What does 'negative frequency-dependent selection' suggest about beards?

• Beards are a sign of wealth

• Cleanshaven men become more attractive as beards become common

• Beards will always be popular

• Beards are a sign of rebellion

What might we expect if the 'peak beard' theory holds true?

• More beard styles

• More cleanshaven faces

• Longer beards

• More beard grooming products