This web page was produced as an assignment for Gen677 at UW-Madison Spring 2009.
"For some, losing hair prematurely is losing out."
Photo From: CanWest Newservice, Edmonton Journal
This article catches up with a 22 year old man named “Jake”. Jake has a very big problem, he is going bald. The writing style switches between excerpts of jakes feelings about the effects it is having on his personal life, and statistical facts concerning male pattern baldness. The focus shifts about halfway through the article to discuss the causes, effects, and treatments of the condition. The thoughts of both a registered dermatologist and psychologist are included for supporting evidence. The closing statements of the piece hint at the expensiveness of treatments and that maybe simply accepting and living with male pattern baldness is the best alternative.
In my opinion this article is a very poor representation of a serious condition. At times Jake speaks as if he has nothing left to live for now that he is losing his hair. “I don't think I'll have another serious relationship until I'm older, in my 40s or 50s when it's more acceptable for people my age to be balding,” he said. This article really focuses on the superficial nature of humans and their need to be accepted into a judgmental society for happiness. Jake says at one point that, “the whole world is into appearance.” Also the reputedly titled “registered psychologist” compares being bald to “being permanently scarred or losing a body part in a car accident”. The hollowness of this argument is clearly evident in my opinion.
The scientific background of this article is however fairly solid. It discusses the accumulation of DHT in the scalp as it is converted from testosterone by an enzyme (5-alpha reductase). It points to the thinning and reduction in number of hair follicles as leading to the typical “horse-shoe pattern.” They then talk about a pill, a cream, and surgery as possible methods of treatments, all of which have been supported in primary literature.
I cannot understand why such a prevalent condition leads to so many people feeling out of place in today’s world. With over half of the adult population going bald, how can one feel out of place? I do understand that it is a matter of self identity and expression, but it is nothing to become depressed over. In the end I was happy that the article shed some light on the real only way to change the disgraceful trend of bald self-loathing. “A cheaper solution to hair loss, and maybe the healthiest, is to accept it, says the dermatologist, “being open about it can also be a real opportunity for growth, maturity and a real sense of getting settled within someone's own skin.”
Zdeb, Chris. (2009, January 26). For Some, Losing Hair Prematurely is Losing Out. The Edmonton Journal. Retrieved from The Edmonton Journal
