What is so intriguing about men’s facial hair? Why do people take such an interest in it?
I wish I knew. Regardless, it’s got me doing something silly for the next four weeks throughout November, or should I say… Movember?
That’s right. I’ve teamed up with a few of my friends from the Dancing With The Stars group to support Movember. Movember is an annual, month-long celebration of the mustache, highlighting men’s health issues – specifically prostate and testicular cancer.
The idea for Movember was sparked in 2003 over a few beers in Melbourne, Australia. (So, this goes out to all my Aussies!) The guys behind it joked about 80s fashion and decided it was time to bring the mustache back. In order to justify their Mos (Australian slang for mustache), they used their new looks to raise money for prostate cancer research… never dreaming that facial hair would ultimately lead to a global movement that would get men talking about a taboo subject – their health. Well, looky here… I’m half way across the globe, and will sport my Mo, but I’ll need your help. I’ll explain later.
A Mo Bro starts Movember – the month formerly known as November – clean shaven, and grows a mustache all month long, garnering support from friends and family in the form of donations. What’s more, a Mo Bro is a walking billboard for the cause as his new look opens the door for him to talk about cancers affecting men – making the mustache a symbol, much like the pink ribbon is for breast cancer. Each Movember culminates in a Gala Partè in major cities around the globe where Mo Bros dress up to match their Mo, channeling the likes of Tom Selleck, Ghandi and Ron Burgandy, vying for the ultimate accolade: Man of Movember.
While growing a Mo is left to the guys, Mo Sistas (women who support their guys) form an important part of Movember by recruiting Mo Bros, helping to raise funds and attending the highly anticipated Gala Partés.
So, here’s where I need your help. I’ve developed my MoSpace page (a Web page that will keep you updated) where donations can be made, as well as suggestions. Suggestions? Yes, suggestion on what I should shave into my beard. You see, I’m not quite sure what type of mustache I should be sporting. I’ve decided to leave that up to you. I’ll grow the beard, you design the art. The suggestion with the most comments win, and I’ll post the photo at the end of the month.
Check out my MoSpace page; all ready posted my first pick. I’ll keep it updated.