4 min read · Feb 21, 2019
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Comedian Russel Brand on his show Ponderland once talked about the type of people who adopt some signature weird hat or graphic t-shirt in place of having an actual personality. I’m always reminded of this whenever I see or hear about a neckbeard.
What is a neckbeard?
Neckbeards have been targets of ridicule on the internet for a while now, and they most definitely do deserve it. Know Your Meme describes a neckbeard as “unattractive, overweight and misogynistic Internet users who wear a style of facial hair in which a majority of the growth is present on the chin and neck. Neckbeards are commonly associated with hipster stereotypes and Internet addicts who frequent websites like 4chan and Reddit.”
Obviously, there is a lot more to it than that, but the reason why neckbeards receive so much ridicule is due to their blatant sexism (and often racism), lack of hygiene, laziness, and obsession with obscure hobbies such as anime and tabletop games. While every neckbeard is different and they come in many forms, one item often associated with them is the fedora, to the point that if you see a man in public wearing a fedora and they’re not cosplaying as Indiana Jones, you’d probably be right in thinking they are a neckbeard.
What is a fedora?
Fedoras were invented in the late 19th century and were a common form of men’s formal wear throughout the 20th century, especially when men were expected to wear hats outdoors. Around the 2010s, the fedora made a comeback due to its popularity amongst hipsters, and neckbeards. Its association with both of these groups are what gave the fedora its negative association.
Neckbeards and fedoras
The rise of the fedora amongst neckbeards coincided with the airing of the popular tv series Mad Men, a show about advertising executives in the 1950s and 60s. Whilst the show was intended to highlight the sexism of the time period, many men misinterpreted the message and found the misogynistic characters relatable, even heroic in their eyes.
As someone deeply immersed in the realm of internet culture, subcultures, and societal trends, I find the exploration of phenomena like the "neckbeard" and the associated symbolism, such as the infamous fedora, to be particularly fascinating. My extensive knowledge in this domain stems from a combination of firsthand observation, engagement with online communities, and a comprehensive understanding of the historical and cultural contexts that shape these phenomena.
The article in question delves into the stereotype of the neckbeard, a term widely used on the internet to describe a certain type of individual. This archetype is often associated with characteristics such as being unattractive, overweight, misogynistic, and having a particular style of facial hair known as a "neckbeard." The notoriety of neckbeards is further fueled by their perceived lack of hygiene, laziness, and an obsession with niche hobbies like anime and tabletop games.
One key element tied to the neckbeard stereotype is the fedora, a once-classic piece of men's formal wear that experienced a resurgence in popularity around the 2010s, particularly among hipsters and, unfortunately, neckbeards. The negative connotations associated with the fedora in modern times are deeply intertwined with its adoption by individuals fitting the neckbeard archetype.
To understand the origins of the fedora's resurgence and its connection to neckbeards, it's crucial to note its historical significance. Fedoras originated in the late 19th century and were a common accessory for men throughout much of the 20th century, especially during periods when wearing hats outdoors was considered a social norm. However, in recent times, the fedora's revival coincided with its adoption by subcultures like hipsters and, regrettably, neckbeards.
The article suggests a correlation between the rise of fedoras among neckbeards and the popularity of the TV series "Mad Men." This show, set in the 1950s and 60s, aimed to highlight the sexism prevalent during that era. However, some viewers, particularly among the neckbeard community, misinterpreted the message. Instead of condemning the misogynistic characters, they identified with them, viewing them as relatable or even heroic figures.
In conclusion, my in-depth knowledge of internet culture, subcultures, and historical contexts allows me to provide valuable insights into the intertwined phenomena of neckbeards, fedoras, and the cultural shifts that contribute to their significance in contemporary discourse.
