Caboclo wrote:serious OT question.., why are barbershops like social hubs for black people?
Not just for black people. All types of men now, although I suppose it sort of started that way.
It was borne out of slavery, and was one of the first businesses that black people were able to own (they used to only serve white men, eventually serving black men).
Nowadays, it's part of the culture, lots of black owners and entrepreneurs, and the clients are often a black majority. Some of it has to do with style and appearance, as crisp lines and good looking hair are such are a big part of black culture. If you want to have some fun but also learn more, watch the Chris Rock movie/documentary "Good Hair" to get some idea about this culture.
Now it's become a gathering spot where the men in the community can get together in their own space, with their own people to talk about whatever they want, however they want. Given that this wasn't always a right black people were able to exercise, you can see why there are several reasons why the barbershop is now like a "social hub" for black people.
