Category: Health and Beauty

Brain Candy: An Exercise in Knowing Thy Context in The Check-Out Aisle

~ thenarcissisticanthropologist ~ 4 Comments

Checking out at the Whole Foods on my way to a Father's Day lunch I spied (and purchased) this parent-trap: Sharkies Kids Sports Chews. As with most things in life, brand and product positioning (the mindspace a company would like their product to occupy in the mind of the consumer) is all about context. In … Continue reading Brain Candy: An Exercise in Knowing Thy Context in The Check-Out Aisle

Conversations About Masculinity: Who Is The American Male?

~ thenarcissisticanthropologist ~ 5 Comments

About once a year for the past several years I have had projects come across my desk that involve taking a closer look at the American Male consumer to help with one marketing, product development or otherwise strategic initiative or another.   In most cases of work designed to unearth consumer insights, the focus is typically … Continue reading Conversations About Masculinity: Who Is The American Male?

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So you think houligans with tattoos are something new? Think again. Interesting article / perspective / antique book review from “across the pond” on body modification…

Special Collections and Archives / Casgliadau Arbennig ac Archifau

P1190836Those of us who have been left bemused by the sudden rise of high-street botox booths, tanning shops, nail salons and eyebrow bars can take some comfort from this curious work by John Bulwer which suggests that, even as far back in 1653, people have always been astonished at the lengths to which some would go to transform their bodies in the name of fashion.  

P1190832In Anthropometamorphosis: Man Transform’d, or The Artificial Changeling, Bulwer’s aim, according to the full title, is to expose the “mad and cruel gallantry, foolish bravery, ridiculous beauty, filthy fineness, and loathsome loveliness of most nations, fashioning & altering their bodies from the mould intended by nature”.  Bulwer describes in detail how people around the world artificially modify their appearance, noting that every nation has a “particular whimzey as touching corporall fashions of their own invention.”

The book is divided into 23 sections covering all types of…

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Thoughts From The Dentist Office: Teeth And Social Signifiers

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As I sit here in the long beach dentist chair about to be buffed and polished scrapes and X-rayed I am forced to contemplate why I put myself through this invasive torture in a regular basis. It stands to reason there are obvious benefits to good oral health, but this is only really a part … Continue reading Thoughts From The Dentist Office: Teeth And Social Signifiers

Tips From The Sociology Of Style War Room: Preparing To Survive Thanksgiving

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This holiday season, I am thankful that it's easy to find inspiration for a blog every day - especially with a little help from my friends and kindred souls. Today Is day three of my annual thanksgiving break and I am about to get on a fishing boat to catch today's dinner.  There is something … Continue reading Tips From The Sociology Of Style War Room: Preparing To Survive Thanksgiving

Weedthropology: A Sociocultural Exploration Of Marijuana Use And Prohibition

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After days of being blinded by politics I have finally been inspired and awakened by a topic near and dear to many American's hearts - especially in Colorado and Washington state.  Yes, I speak of Weed. Pot. Ganja.  Mary Jane. Marijuana.  In addition to 18 other states in which marijuana is approved for medical use … Continue reading Weedthropology: A Sociocultural Exploration Of Marijuana Use And Prohibition

How To Succeed In Business: Shave Your Head

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The results are in! A recent study has officially proven that bald dudes do better in business. It's true. It's Science! And you can read about it here: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10000872396390443862604578032541863652264.html?mod=WSJ_hpp_MIDDLENexttoWhatsNewsTop Apparently, men who have close buzz cuts or no hair at all tend to be more gainfully employed and more likely to be business leaders. The … Continue reading How To Succeed In Business: Shave Your Head

Hair Is Important

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Hair: if you have it, you spend all kinds of time and money (if you are a girl or a guy who even remotely cares about his appearance) taking care of it: washing it, styling it, purchasing products for it. Celebrity hair can be a trademark: remember the Jennifer-Anniston inspired "Friends Haircut", or then there's … Continue reading Hair Is Important