In the last few weeks, stalwart European leaders have resigned, the predictions of a possible recession in Canada have been cast, riot police appeared on the McGill campus, a would-be American leader forgot the third point of his own platform, the Syrian regime brutally cracked down on its own people, and occupiers the world over faced showdowns with their cities’ mayors. But meandering around the mayhem, a quieter movement can be found. Initially it was rarely seen, only peeking out now and then to stare at the crazy world. Then it took a chance, showing more of itself, letting the crazy world stare right back. Finally, halfway through its one month lifespan, Movember jumped out and unleashed itself. Between protests, polarized opinions, and midterms that never seem to stop coming, the moustache has joined our campus and our country to be a momentary witness to it all.
The ‘stache, during all months except this one, has no necessary leanings. It can be found neatly trimmed on a barking sergeant-major, or flowing floppily from a poet that rejects all use of force. It can be monopolized by authoritarian dictators, or by Tom Selleck in Magnum PI. It can be the very essence of sex appeal, or the very definition of creepiness. But in November, the ‘stache swings only one way: towards charity. For one month it embraces an issue that has been kept silent, and zipped up in the pants for too long: prostate cancer. The free flowing of upper hair whiskers is a tangible manifestation of men openly raising awareness of a dangerous disease. This is a noble pursuit. Men’s health, like a moustache, is not something that should be ignored.
Yet the awareness competition is tough; breast cancer awareness has dominated the scene for years. Men’s health activists had to do something to counter all the heartwarming pink ribbons and, well, the fact that breast sounds so much better than prostate in any slogan. Thus, a couple of lads from down under adopted the now-famous, furry mascot. The Movember charity foundation uses the easiest of awareness techniques: something that can blossom naturally on one’s face.
This does not mean taking part in Movember is all lollipops and roses. Becoming a ‘Mo Bro’ for one whole month is no trivial task, and growing a moustache can have hazardous consequences. From harbouring long-forgotten pieces of your breakfast to costing you that babysitting job, the ‘stache can adversely affect your day-to-day routine. And if you make it halfway through, it will be all that your non-stached friends will want to talk about, point at, and sometimes stroke. During such times it is important to remember the higher purpose of your moustache.
This purpose has been embraced by Canadians. At press time, the Great White North is the leading fundraiser with 227,322 moustaches roaming about, and just under $17 million raised. The closest runner ups are our UK mates across the pond with almost $10 million; Australia comes in a close third, with the Americans currently sitting in fourth, a spot the Irish are eyeing feverishly as they round out the top five.
Movember is only two-thirds over, and you’re bound to see more whiskers whistle by as some of the slower growers start to shine. Thus, if strikes, riots, protests, corporate abuse, or another season of upcoming finals gets you down, make sure to look around for a moustached man (or woman), and know that the thing on their face is there for a good cause.
