The Northerner

Issue date: 9/13/06 Section: Entertainment

When you think of the '70s, images of bell bottoms, peace signs, tie-dye, groovy platform shoes and of course afros are bound to come to mind. Some may think afros died with disco, but a whole new generation is emerging on campus at Northern Kentucky University.

"People know me walking to class just because I have an afro," sophomore Dominic Lewis said. "I like it for the most part because I know I don't blend in."

Though their styles and reasons for growing afros vary, those who partake are sure to stand out when surrounded by haircuts typical of 2006.

"Everyone calls me Napoleon Dynamite," freshman Paul O'Moore said. "That's my instant nickname wherever I go. People quote the movie. I don't really bear any resemblance to him except my hair."

O'Moore wears traditional retro clothes that go with the 'fro, like black-rimmed glasses, fitted T-shirts and Goodwill jackets that he describes as "straight-up old school."

The graphic design major said he listens to a lot of new rock and indie music, including fellow afro-growers Ace Enders, Omar Rodriguez of Mars Volta and Claudio Sanchez of Coheed and Cambria.

Despite the unique look his hairstyle creates, O'Moore wouldn't grow an afro if he had other choices.

"My hair just does it. I can't do anything about it. If I let it grow out, it grows into an afro." However, he doesn't consider chopping his locks to be an option anytime soon.

"I look even stupider with short hair, because I have kind of an alien head," O'Moore said, describing his head as larger toward the back. "Growing an afro kind of evens it out."

Not only does his hair provide aesthetic value, but entertainment when bored.

"One time I stuck a bunch of pencils in it and we let my friend's pet mouse get lost in my hair once. It just kind of burrowed in, it was pretty funny."

Continued...

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