Being a hairless wonder at age 14 I really didn't need to shave but my "home ec." teacher told us it was a sign of good grooming, so I did.

My mom had a bloody fit and screamed that now I would have to shave for the rest of my life because it would grow back all coarse and dark. Besides that, she said, "Don't you know that Hitler's girlfriend, Eva, started that fad? Hitler associated hair with the lower orders, so Eva started shaving. So now your lookin' for a boyfriend like Hitler?"

Needless to say, I gave it up. Useless exercise. Depends on what you like - soft or scratchy - take your pick. Has nothing to do with sophistication. Has more to do with social pressure and trying to look as white as possible.