Barbershops
Explore below to see popular culture examples of barbershops, which have long been considered socially meaningful spaces of community and support for Black men (similar to the locker room in Ted Lasso).
The 2002 movie "Barbershop" directed by Tim Story and starring Ice Cube takes you through a single day in a barbershop on the Southside of Chicago. The story highlights how black barbershops are a place of sanctuary, community, cultural identity, and belonging.
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In the 2020 movie "Soul," Joe Gardener a middle-school band teacher who dreams of becoming a professional jazz musician becomes a ghost and searches for what gives his life meaning. In one scene when Joe is visiting his barber Dez, he learned Dez did not always wish to be a barber, and had dreams of becoming a veterinarian. The scene emphasizes barbershops as a vulnerable and personal place where people can share stories, and life experiences.
In the 2016 TV series "Atlanta" Season 2, Episode 5 titled "The Barbershop" follows Alfred, who is trying to get a haircut from his longtime friend a barber, Bibby. Bibby sends Alfred on all kinds of errands before finally giving him his haircut. The episode highlights trust between barber and client, as well as friendship and loyalty.
The 2018 YouTube talk show "The Shop," Features Lebron James and Maverick Carter. The show is filmed in a barbershop and features celebrities ranging from musicians to athletes who discuss topics such as sports, race, culture, family, and current events. This show highlights barbershops as a place of traditionband honesty
In Luke Cage, Pop’s Barber Shop functions as a multigenerational Black masculine community space that provides grooming, mentorship, social connection, and protection. It's a place of safety and collective care for Harlem. Image: Marvel WIki
In Coming to America (1988), the barbershop operates as a multigenerational Black male social space where the barbers and customers debate boxing, race, and masculinity while preparing Akeem in choosing a wife. It's also a humorous space--actors Eddie Murphy and Arsenio Hall play multiple characters. Image: Screenshot