Lifestyle
Hagerstown ranks No. 2 in Eight Cities with the Ugliest Guys
I gave this news some deeper thought after I stopped laughing: Thanks to men, Hagerstown has the dubious honor of ranking No. 2 on the "Eight Cities with the Ugliest Guys" list.
The Hagerstown Ugly Man story has been making its rounds as the butt of jokes on Facebook status updates and as a featured story on regional news segments ever since the story was published on TotalBeauty.com Sept. 25.
Whether calling Hagerstown men ugly are fighting words depends on a few things - like how you interpret data or if you're a guy or a girl. Maybe there are a bunch of single Hagerstown women swiveling their necks as they utter, "See, I told you so... ." The consensus from the men I talked to for this story was a big, whinny "nuh-uh."
But now that all the watercooler talk has diminuendoed to a murmur, perhaps it has encouraged us to reconsider how we define "attractive."
TotalBeauty.com is a site that targets women via product reviews and beauty related articles or, in its own words, by acting as a "totally unbiased and comprehensive beauty expert."
According to the story, the writer considered education stats, sales of contraceptive and erotica under the premise that "no sex generally equals less hot guys," a population's health, smoking rates and obesity "in every city in the U.S." to find out where those ugly dudes are.
El Paso, Texas, topped the list, with obesity and low level of educational attainment working against it.
For me, distrust set in when I saw that Miami ranked No. 3. Serious skepticism set in when I saw that Bethesda, Md., made No. 1 on the same Web site's "Top 10 Hottest-Guy Cities."
Well - surprise, surprise - the ugly list was never meant to be a scientific assessment of the concentration of male ugliness, said TotalBeauty.com's editor-in-chief Beth Mayall in a recent phone interview with The Herald-Mail.
"Obviously, it's one of those stories to get attention," Mayall said.
The story, she said, was an attempt to examine what makes a guy "hot" by incorporating "things that matter and other things that shouldn't, but do matter."
Hagerstown, Mayall said, made the list because fewer than 10 percent of Hub City men hold bachelor's degrees, 30 percent don't exercise regularly and, according to the story, an "off-the-charts number of Hagerstownians smoke, compared to the rest of the country."
Seriously, how much does this stuff matter?
I asked Kristi Pursley - a first-time visitor to Hagerstown who seemed unfazed by the alleged ugliness of Hub City men - what she thought, especially since she was from Arlington, Texas, and Texas made the list twice, thanks to Houston.
"I look at other things that could make guys attractive," Pursley said.
Pursley, 49, is single and has been testing out online dating. Personality earns major points for her. The problem, she said, is that men's needs are more basic.
"I've found an abundance of men who'd be fine for me," Pursley said. "They don't look like Brad Pitt, but they want an Elle MacPhereson."
Katy Sweeney, of the Hagerstown-based Sammy's Singles, is a person who's business is the dating business. She keeps her ear to the ground when it comes to what causes or repels romantic attraction - her family's speed-dating business depends on it.
Sweeney said from what she has seen, physical attractiveness has been far more important to men than women.
"We don't need to see our men in lingerie," Sweeney said, whereas men can size up a woman's appearance in a matter of seconds.
Women are less picky. "They could be short, fat, bald - whatever," Sweeney said.
And if the list is true, the lack of pickiness is "probably good for the women here in Hagerstown," Sweeney said.
Going back to Census data, it doesn't seem like Hub City men are doing all that bad. Census data tracks marital status for people age 15 or older. According to the data, more than half of Hagerstown men - 52 percent - are married.
I found one of these married guys, 45-year-old Hagerstown resident Harry Jones. He thought the list was funny. "It gives people a reason to talk about Hagerstown," Jones said.
I'd rather not use myself as the litmus for what the dating scene is like in Hagerstown. But I have to admit that when I heard about this list, my thought process started went something like this: Tiffany, you have never dated a guy from Hagerstown, let alone Washington County.
The current boyfriend lives in Gaithersburg, Md. The boyfriend prior: Baltimore City. They associate Hagerstown with me and "the outlets."
But can that be blamed on lack of buffness, the pervasiveness of male stupidity, er, flat-out ugliness?
Nah. Flabby, stupid men are everywhere. I chalk it up to chance and my crazy schedule.
Maybe the answer might be different if you're a guy or a girl.
Who made the list
1. El Paso, Texas
2. Hagerstown, Md.
3. Miami, Fla.
4. Greensboro, N.C.
5. Tie: Mobile, Ala., and Huntington, W.Va.
6. Detroit, Mich.
7. Philadelphia
8. Houston, Texas
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Comments:
Women are less picky. "They could be short, fat, bald - whatever," Sweeney said. And if the list is true, the lack of pickiness is "probably good for the women here in Hagerstown," Sweeney said. Bwahahaha this is some kinda funny article! Thanks Tiff! (Report this comment)
""We don't need to see our men in lingerie," Sweeney said, whereas men can size up a woman's appearance in a matter of seconds." And in our minds it just takes a few more seconds to undress and ravish them!! All while saying "pleased to meet you!!! Bwahaha (Report this comment)
Pretty funny- but what about the women? (Report this comment)
You're right, women can be less picky about looks, but are MORE picky about those other factors, education (therefore income/job), smoking, etc. Things that may not be physical, but affect attractiveness none the less, and are just as picky. I'm a male in Hagerstown and have no issue saying I understand this ranking...but lets not point all the fingers at the towns men...not exactly a workclass female population either! (Report this comment)
No matter how you define beauty, Hagerstown is full of chumps. (Report this comment)
Hagerstown is ranked No. 2. Can we try a little harder to make No. 1 next year? (Report this comment)
The smoking is a BIG factor. Maybe if they had more education they would realize that smoking is bad for you. (Report this comment)
This is freaking hilarious!!!!!! Thanks for the good laugh! Wow, That was a good one. I applaud you Hagerstown! (Report this comment)
All together Hagerstown probably rates #1 for the most over weight people. Have you seen the size of the people at the malls or on the streets. If Richard Simons came to this town he'd probably get so hyper he would fall over dead. LOL . I work at one of the largest employers in Hagerstown area and believe me, they need to make the hallways wider. What is more upsetting is seeing the kids in this area sitting in fast food restaurants with their parents chugging down soft drinks and eating something boiled in grease. Its time to change this area's image. Lets not be on the list next year!!! (Report this comment)
I moved to Hagerstown in 1996, The first think I asked was, "What the heck do they put in the water around here to make thes men so uglY" As for the few that I have aquainted myself with I'll say this. They have absolutely no class, no sense of style, and do not know how to have a good time. They seem to want an instant relationship. Desperate! Another real turn off, is the fact that they all, not only have current child support obligations, but past ones too and for whatever the reason don't even see their kids. Some hair, a good dentist and a lesson on when not to use the F word wouldn't hurt. I wonder if they included Dupont circle in that Bethesda count? (Report this comment)
I don't know anything about the married men, but I can tell you the single ones are not a nice pond to fish in. I've dated the short, fat, ugly, bald ones, and a few of the rare tall, handsome, educated ones. It doesn't matter. The problem with H-Town men is that they almost universally lack class, imho. But to be fair, the women are no prize either, though I know more educated women in the town than educated men, if we're going on that. Also, agreed to Fandelize about child support obligations! Do they skip the sex ed in the schools? I could only laugh when I read this; I might not say they're the ugliest men in the country, but they are some of the most unappealing. Sorry, H-Town dudes! Just one woman's observation. (Report this comment)
LOL... I guess since Im married and not in the dating scene I,m not included in the ranking sorry ladys I was taken off the market 15 years ago. But I have been out and about town at restraunts and bars thru out hagerstown and wouldn't rate the woman of hagerstown any better than the men. For every man that has a alomony or child support payment theres a hagerstown woman that opened her legs to make a child? whats that tell you? (Report this comment)
The ladies of H-town are no prize-winners either...well, except to make a list of the ugliest women in the US...short, fat, and ugly, with little class, self-esteem, or prospects, the poor ladies of H-town go around giving it out to whoever will pay the slightest bit of attention to them. The ugly men of Hagerstown therefore have the last laugh... (Report this comment)
This is getting fun! The last classy lady I dated I knew there was a problem when I helped her up into the pick-up truck and she caught me lookin up her skirt. When she sat back and bumped her head on the rifle rack she seemed a lil ticked off. After she accidently knocked over my spit cup I thought we were through. Sure suprised me when she called back next night! Picked me up in one a them Beemer things. Little fast car! Yup the memories we share. Kids are all in high school now. Oldest getting ready to Grad-gee-ate. (Report this comment)
I suspect Kate Sweeney's dating service will be out of business soon if she really believes that females are not picky about appearance: "They could be short, fat, bald." Females use height to automatically rule out men. If the man does not conform to a predefined height requirement, he does not stand a chance no matter how educated, intelligent, kind, ... he is. Hey Sweeney, quit trying to spread around the myth that females are not superficial. Every man knows that looks matter more the females than any other characteristic. Men should avoid any dating service operated by anyone who spreads or believes this myth. (Report this comment)
I'm just shocked that Martinsburg or Chambersburg werent't ranked in this list. Sure, Htown isn't exactly a prize spot for finding a guy OR girl but seriously...we aren't as bad as the two towns to the north or south of us! The problem is that Hagerstown just doesn't seem to care at all about class or style. Not that they are the only important things in life but honestly, they truly do matter. Both men & women in the tristate area need to remember that pajama bottoms & sweat pants are not appropriate clothing in public. Smoking is gross and bathing is a must. Brush your teeth & watch your language! Instead of sitting around watching TV, go on a walk or run. And lay off the fried foods! I've been all over the US & I would not say that we are one of the ugliest but we could definitely change it up A LOT! Both men & women in this area are ugly and annoying. Get some respect for yourself Hagerstown! There is no need to ever look like trash! And obviously from this ranking, people do notice & care! (Report this comment)
This article is to funny!lmao! This could go both ways. It's not only men but women also. I'm only 5' 2" so anyone taller then me is ok in my book. Give me someone to look up to. lol (Report this comment)
projectnow - I would never judge on the way people dress. That's being narrow minded. The way they dress has nothing to do with the kind of person they are on the inside. I'm sure most people buy what they can afford. Some people just aren't out to please the public but to please themselves. Beside most people know that Hagerstown isn't a rich city. People live there because the cost of living is a bit cheaper. (Report this comment)
Breezie- As you already stated, anyone taller than 5'2" is ok with you which tells me that your criteria isn't that high for a potential mate. So since you don't have standards you may not understand what I was trying to say. When people dress sloppy it's because they are sloppy. You don't have to be rich to own a pair of jeans. You don't have to be rich to wash your hair or at least comb it. Those are things that represent who you are on the inside. It shows how much dignity & respect you have. Look at people that society considers respectable..they are never out in public dressed like trash. The way one carries oneself is a good indication of who they are. I'm not saying go out & buy Gucci or Prada. Go to Target. Get something cheap there. Just stop wearing pajama bottoms & sweatpants out in public. You look bad & you lose respect for yourself. Also, Hagerstown isn't a rich city compared to what? Compared to DC? Compared to Martinsburg? And how rich is rich? That's too vague to be a valid arguement. Sorry. (Report this comment)
Yup sloppy is as sloppy does. I like the people that claim to be poor so that makes it ok to be dirty. Same with their homes/outside home appearance. Im poor so I live in filth. I respect people that can make do with little or nothing....I was there. I still would have self pride in my home inside and out and how I looked in public. For some fun check out the site www.peopleofwalmart.com Its a hoot! (Report this comment)
projectnow- My criteria is high, mostly likely to high since I been single since 98. That's when I got divorce. Ever since then I raise my children on my own. Only one child is at home the rest our out on their own. I was running a small painting business until the economy bottom out. Hopefully next year will be better. Beside nothing wrong with wanting someone taller then you. I'm a short person and not to many men are as short as I am. At least I haven't seen any as of yet. I sure wasn't going to put down all that I was looking for. This isn't the proper place to do that. I just don't care how others dress out in public. It's not a reflexion on me. I always said, Until someone pays my bills, buys my food, buys my clothes, then I might give a darn what others think. I live to please my family and no one else. (Report this comment)
heyceeo - Living poor shouldn't be a excuse for living in filth. Your right about that!! I fine that a lot of heavy set people tend to live dirty. Myself I like things organized. I don't like having to search for things. If I need something, it better be were I put it. ---- About the orginal topic: Ugly is in the eye of the beholder. I also think that it's all how you carry yourself. How you treat other people. I know people judge other by how they dress. I just tend not to judge people by how they dress. There action speak louder then words. (Report this comment)
Breezie- You just don't get it. How you dress is very important to people. You don't have to buy designer. But you MUST look presentable in public. It is a reflection on you AND your neighbors. It doesn't matter how much money you have. You can actually find good, cheap deals on nice clothes at thrift stores. Looking sloppy & trashy in public is culturally wrong. Apparently you don't really care about your neighbors but maybe they care about how you look & act. Heyceeo was right, lower income people use that issue as an excuse to trash it up & be sloppy. As Americans that is totally unacceptable. Ugly may be in the eye of the beholder but looking sloppy is a reflection on the entire community. Has nothing to do with money. It's all about people respecting themselves & others. So if you don't care about how you look...good for you but understand that people have every right to form whatever opinion of you they want. Most likely it won't be positive. Have more respect for yourself Hagerstown!! (Report this comment)
Heyceeo- The peopleofwalmart.com website is HILARIOUS!!! I've been showing it to so many people. Everyone loves it! (Report this comment)
projectnow -I get what your saying, I sure didn't fall out of the dumb tree. I just won't judge someone by the way the dress. Your right about one thing. I really don't care about my neighbors since I don't even know them. My neighbors don't even know me since I'm not from hagerstown and I pretty much stay to myself. Most of my neighbors work for a living. When they come home they go in the house. When I was working 10 to 12 hours 6 days a week. That's all I wanted to do was come home and relax. I sure didn't feel like socializing. I say Hi when I seen them and that wasn't to often. Shoot I couldn't even tell you want the H they wear or what kind of vehicle they drive. That's about how my I pay attention to what others are a doing. It's not on my priority list of things to know. As long as I look presentable in public that's all that matters to me. If others don't that's not my problem. I'm to old to care about what others think of me.I don't put on a certain clothes to please other people.I do it for myself. (Report this comment)
Breezie- The fact that you don't care at all about your neighbors says a lot about your character. You honestly sound like the most self-righteous, self-centered person. When you live in a community you need to be involved in that community. And if you don't like it then move into the woods. People were created to be social with each other. You don't have to be knocking on neighbors doors every minute of the day but to say you don't care about them is pathetic. So if character is more important to you than looks, what do you think people think about you? If you can still sit there & not care then you might want to reevaluate yourself. Outward appearance is a physical expression of the person that you are on the inside. That's what makes clothes so exciting and individualistic. You can truly tell a lot about people by how they dress. Why do you think businesses have certain dress codes? Certain restaurants require a particular look. It's called living in a developed country. Get connected to your community. (Report this comment)
projectnow - Oh my, this is getting a bit funny. That's right,I could CARELESS what others think about me. The neighbors on my street rarely see me because most of the time I'm gone. I could CARELESS what my neighbors are doing,So What! I could CARELLESS what they wear. Never said I didn't socialize at all. I just don't socialize with the neighbors expect for saying HI, So What! My free time, I like spending it with my children, my family and my friends. And not with the neighbors. I donate to the Homeless Shelters, brought school supplies and book bags for needy children and I donate to the Food Banks. I give my used items to people that need them. That's what I do for the community of Hagerstown. That's what matters to me, helping the needy. (Report this comment)
I don't focus on what others are wearing. Why should I judge someone just because of how they dress? When their is so much more going on in the world. People are losing their homes to foreclosers and their jobs. My heart breaks every time I see someone lose their home. My priority are just different then yours. I rather focus on helping the needy and you rather focus on what people are wearing. If we all were blind it wouldn't matter.I'm not on this earth to earn brownie points. Only a select few people know what I do for the needy. I'm not looking for a pat on the back for helping out. I do it because I want to. I shall not judge a book by it's cover. (Report this comment)
To help heal Hagerstown men feelings Herald-Mail is having a 'sexiest man of Hagerstown' contest. :) Herald-Mail you might prove the survey's point. Very funny once again!!!! Thanks! (Report this comment)