Aaron Estes
Staff Writer
Tis the season my fellow Tigers. Although, it’s not quite time to start putting presents under the tree, there is a new phenomenon sweeping the fall season. November is the beginning of No Shave November.
From Nov. 1 –30, Instagram timelines will be flooded with images of men growing their facial hair as wild and free as ever. Even though millions of men participate in the movement, very few people actually know what No Shave November represents.
No-Shave November is a unique way to raise cancer awareness for men. Women get shown tremendous support with their “Think Pink “Breast Cancer movement. No Shave November is the perfect complement to show support and raise awareness about men’s cancer.
The Movember Foundation and the American Cancer Society have created a foundation that allows supporters of cancer research to donate and show their beard growing progress through several social media forums. The primary goal of No-Shave November is to grow awareness by embracing our hair, which many cancer patients lose. Stop spending money on razors, shaving cream and after shave. Instead, donate that money you would’ve spent to educate about cancer prevention, save lives, and aid those fighting the battle.
No Shave November became a cultural movement in 1999 when a group of young men in Adelaide, South Australia coined the term, “Movember” and grew their mustaches out during the month of November for charity. In 2004, an unrelated group in Melbourne, Australia ran with their own Movember ideas, which they would turn into an actual organization, the Movember Foundation charity. In 2006, the craze hit North America and from there, No Shave November was born.
Many men at Jackson State University like Branford Frieson, a sophomore computer engineering major from Atlanta, Ga., look forward to the annual event.
“I just started growing my beard about a year ago, so No Shave November gives me a reason to grow it out and it’s even better that it’s for a good cause, “ said Frieson.
While some might participate in No Shave November for the style, others actually do it to represent those that they know battling cancer. Deion Fields, a sophomore biology major from Chicago, Ill., has a loved ones in mind this November. “I know a few men who have battled with Prostate Cancer, so once I found out that No Shave November’s purpose was to raise awareness for men’s cancer, I wanted to be an active supporter, “said Fields.
If the scruffy, James Harden beard look is not for you, men can shampoo and condition their beards for a well groomed.
Cece Griffin, a junior marketing major from Elgin, Ill., is specific about the type of beard she likes on men. “I’m not really a fan of the huge beards that make men look all barbaric and untamed. I believe you can grow your beard and still look gentleman-like,” said Griffin.
Whether you’re participating in No Shave November for the style, the cause, or to bring chivalry back, grow your beard loud and proud. It’s time to Fear the Beard.
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