November has arrived, and that means men everywhere have pulled out the alliterative alibi of No-Shave November to justify growing out their beards weird. Yet most casual participants (and baffled onlookers) remain unaware of No-Shave November’s deadly serious origin. No-Shave November originated from the event Movember, started by a group of Australian men raising awareness for prostate cancer and male depression. Moreover, Movember specifically required its participants to grow only their moustaches, shaving all other facial hair. (Save the beard growing for Decembeard.) This outward sign of the moustache caught attention and signified the inner resolve to fight and advocate for these causes. From this event, the Movember Foundation emerged and continues today, but the vain popularity of No-Shave November seems to have outgrown that of its predecessor. Without a worthy cause to wear the hair, No-Shave November has become emptier than the barbershops it puts out of business. Would-be lumberjacks tending to their face forests may spend the money they save on razors instead on male hair-care products, like beard balm.
This November, go against the grain: let your whiskers go wild and raise awareness of important issues and ideas that go unnoticed; donate the money you would spend on hair care to support them. You can make No-Shave November meaningful by dedicating your facial follicles to good causes like the following:
One of the most popular causes for Movember, prostate cancer is, according to the American Cancer Society, the second most common cancer among men. Likelihood of prostate cancer rises dramatically after age 50, though some may develop a cancerous tumor and experience no ill-effects. Learn more from the link above.
Depression affects everyone, including men. Men may avoid seeking treatment because they believe they must be individually tough and self-reliant. Mental health, like any other area of health, always can benefit from professional help. Fight men’s depression with your facial-hair expression, and grow it out.
This cancer is more common in young men, though older men may develop it as well. Many risk factors exist, but some people with all the factors never develop it, while others displaying no factors do. Given this, oncologists are researching probable causes, which you can learn more about above.
Cancer of the large intestine, colorectal cancer is the third most common type of cancer worldwide, about one out of every ten cases, and is more commonly found in men than in women. It is treatable, however, and caught early enough, may be prevented altogether. Learn more from the link above.
See above for the American Cancer Society’s recommendations for screening intervals. While screenings may detect cancer, everyone can help prevent cancer by making good lifestyle choices like the following: withholding from tobacco, keeping healthy weight, xercising regularly, ating healthy with plenty of fruits and vegetables, limit your alcohol intake, protecting your skin, and knowing yourself, your family history, and your risks.
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), but you also can turn your No-Shave November into No-Tolerance November and raise awareness of sexual assault.
"Growing whiskers for whiskers,” raise awareness of animal cruelty and donate to groups like the RSPCA and turn the tide against inhumane treatment of other hairy creatures.
8. “Beard-liness is Next to Godliness”
The philosopher Epictetus saw beard-growing as a sign of independence from authority and of one exercising free will. Use your philosophical beard stroking to raise awareness of the importance of learning and gaining knowledge.
Why I’m doing No-Shave November (aside from my inability to grow a moustache). Live out the Nazarite vow in a modern setting through prayer, abstinence, and beard-growing. Do it, and you'll be just like Samson — hopefully sans the above-pictured animal cruelty.
10. Your Own Personal Cause
Maybe you or a loved one has some personal struggle to fight. Participate in No-Shave November, Movember, Decembeard, or whatever you want to call it and stand for what matters to you. Become the face of a new cause and commit to the battle.
11. "The Movember Song" - Derick Watts & The Sunday Blues (Carly Rae Jepsen - "Call Me Maybe" Parody)
To play out the list, here is the winner of the 2012 “Moscar” (Movember Oscar) echoing the sorrows of patchy bearded men everywhere. As the music video shows, the key to growing a good beard is patience, so keep your chin up and stay positive. Happy Movember!
Images credit: Put the mouse on each picture, you will see the source.
"Growing whiskers for whiskers,” raise awareness of animal cruelty and donate to groups like the RSPCA and turn the tide against inhumane treatment of other hairy creatures.
