The Presidential Mullett

While we’re on the subject of James Knox Polk’s historical reputation, it’s worth reflecting for a moment on the one major goal that “the Napoleon of the South Stump” could not achieve — introducing Hockey Hair to an American public willing to march to the slogan of “54-40 or Fight!” but not quite willing to accept the logic of “business in front, party in back.”

I have few doubts that Polk’s ambiguous semiotics played a role in the mullett’s failure to thrive. While the draping locks bespoke of Camaros, Pabst Blue Ribbon, doobies and cheap amphetamines, the preppy stylings of the up-turned collar were more suggestive of BMW’s, single-malt scotch, pipe tobacco and cocaine. As someone whose Manifest Destinarian ravings were intended to satisfy two regions — offering a Southwestern planation fantasy to the Southern elite and an Oregonian yeoman’s paradise to the hearty farmers of the midwest — Polk’s other fusionist efforts should not surprise us. Perhaps he would be more fondly remembered, though, if he had not chosen to model his appearance on two different varieties of male scumbag who would rise to cultural prominence 140 years after his presidency began.