Gossip rags love to nag on celebrities for any infraction against high fashion or for committing the grand sin of stepping out looking like less than a supermodel. And it doesn’t matter if they’re male or female — gossip journalists have their weapons loaded and are ready to fire off an arsenal of harsh insults.
Most online gossip articles are not what you’d call quality journalism. These pieces are peppered with misspellings and grammar errors, there is rarely a byline indicating who authored the piece, and frequently, these articles make broad (and false) assumptions.
The Insider
This site claims that Fraser has “hair plugs.” Actually, what he’s wearing in the movies is a very natural looking lace hair system. The unknown author of the article states, “We hate to be so shallow, but we must admit that before picture really creeps us out.”
If you hate being shallow, then don’t be shallow. Instead of badgering Brendan Fraser and calling his look “creepy,” offer some support, focusing on how great he looks in his films.
In the words of one of the article’s commentators: “And WHO cares, HELLO? its Brendan Fraser, WE ALLLLLL know how hot he is.”
Williamsboard
This site claims to be “Williamsburg hipster central.” Since when is it hip to be cruel? One post in the online forum features a series of photos showing Brendan Fraser’s hairstyles over the past decade or so with the insightful introductory text: “this dude has the worst hair styles ever.”
Ain’t it cool how on the Internet, you can make fun of other people’s hair without ever having to show your own?
Commentators in this forum go on to rant about everything they dislike about the actor, from his face and hair to the movies he’s made, and they provide even more ammunition by posting pictures of Nicholas Cage and John Travolta, pointing out those actors’ hairlines as well.
Bad Hair Day
Taking aim at celebrity hairstyles is a full time job for this site, which does nothing but shine its dull spotlight on stars whose do’s don’t pass the Bad Hair Day bar.
“What’s the surefire way to debunk rumors that you wear a hairpiece? Well according to Brendan Fraser… all you need to do is sport a hairstyle so bad there is no way anyone would pay for it.”
The piece goes on to slam Fraser every which way it can.
Comments on the article included:
• “I understand why they all wear wigs…”
• “I dont [sic] care I think he is very handsome…”
• “Not to be shallow, but this totally alters my opinion of him…”
Clearly, the public is far more empathetic than the gossip reporters.
Fame and Fallout
Hair loss is difficult and can be devastating, and the same is true for the pressure of being a celebrity, constantly scrutinized by the media and the public. Add hair loss to the stress of being a star, and it could be downright traumatic.
Brendan Fraser wears hair well. So, why are people reacting so passionately and in mean spirits against his uncontrollable condition? It’s not like he willingly plucked the hairs on his head! He has a medical condition.
Men don’t have the luxury of enhancing their natural looks with makeup, push-up bras, and fake fingernails. When men seek treatment for hair loss, we’re not trying to be fake or pretentious. We’re just trying to get back something that nature took away – our hair.
If we work harder to speak out against gossipy reporters who make false claims and do little more than fling around callous and shallow insults, maybe we can draw attention to the fact that hair loss is a misfortune and an inconvenience, and let’s just be grateful that there are effective treatments and hair replacement options that we can use to look like ourselves and feel confident.
Washington Post reporter Cathy Alter, documents one man’s effort to find a solution to his hair loss through non-surgical hair replacement, and discuses the emotional aspects of hair loss that society still seems to overlook. The article titled “What Lies Beneath,” also discusses our inability to mourn the loss of our hair due to society’s perception of hair loss and hair replacement.
