Black has been an important colour in men's clothing throughout history, much more so than in women's. At certain periods in European history black even became the prevailing male colour. The symbolic value of black in this connection is both inky and potent, going well beyond the normal expression of grief and common courtesy toward death. Male authority, male cruelty and malice, male hypocrisy and depravity, but also male self-discipline and surrender to duty; male reserve and male zeal; male judgment and learning, not to mention male beauty, moral excellence, emotional depth and commercial probity have all at one time or another appeared suitably manifest in black clothes on men.
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