Photo by Junne Park
November is the hairiest month of the year, as college males ditch their razors to participate in “No Shave November.” Whether it’s done for camaraderie, philanthropy or bragging rights, the effects are creeping onto faces all across UR’s campus.
No-shaving rituals date back to the era of Plato. Plato promoted the idea that men would not shave for a period of time in order to focus on their inner selves, instead of being obsessed with outer beauty.
These days, this cultural phenomenon is most popular among college students, because the men are at a point at which they can grow fuller beards but are not old enough to hold a job that has a “clean shaven” policy.
Many across UR are breaking from the bearded tradition, however, electing to grow out moustaches to raise awareness for cancer instead.
“Movember,” as the tradition is called in this latest incarnation, is a nation-wide moustache-growing campaign to raise awareness for the Prostate Cancer Foundation and Livestrong. This November, the men of the Delta Kappa Epsilon Fraternity are partaking in the event, with the goal of raising $1,000.
“Fighting cancer is a cause that is very important to our fraternity because of how it has affected the lives of some members in a very big way,” DKE President and senior Travis Block said. “We always put together a strong effort to fundraise for Relay for Life as well.”
UR has its own Movember network page for donators to track the growth of the moustaches that they’re sponsoring.
“Moustaches, on average, are 43 percent more persuasive than beards,” Block joked. “And we need as much help as we can get in our fundraising efforts.”
While No Shave November is generally a male dominated activity, women need not feel excluded from this tradition — they’re even invited to participate.
Freshman Julia Morris adds a female perspective to No Shave November, believing that women can raise awareness for cancer by not shaving their legs.
“Women should absolutely be involved in No Shave November because shaving is a hassle,” she said.
While it is a growing sensation across campus, not all men feel inclined to participate in No Shave November and Movember. Though some students have decided to remain clean-shaven, there are still 20 days left in the month should they change their minds.
“While not every member of the fraternity is sporting a moustache, the majority are, and those who aren’t are still strong supporters of prostate cancer research and a moustached American community,” Block said.
Weinberg is a member of the class of 2015.
