“Whether you’re stopping or going always remember: keep that Mo growing in November”

Moustaches. The benchmark of a manly man in days gone by. Those course bristles of masculinity stood to represent so much. Magnum PI, Burt Reynolds, Freddie Mercury- it was enough to make anyone weak. When they spoke, people truly listened. This might be because the added facial hair made it difficult to hear, but people definitely paid attention.

Style icons change as society progresses, and they often take their aesthetic choices with them. In many ways it’s a crying shame to watch us wave goodbye to that suave mark of a true gentleman, but supervillains twirling their ‘staches while planning world domination have foreseen this change in perception. However, recent years have seen a resurgence in the appreciation for the added “oomph” of facial hair. And, honestly speaking, we understand why.

The concept of Movember was initially met with much derision, dismissed by many as another hipster movement with little aim or purpose. However, the difference between this initiative and its less effective counterparts resides in its underlying motive- to raise awareness for a cause much greater than the promotion of fuzzy upper lips.

Let’s look at the hard reality:
Prostate Cancer is a disease that destroys thousands of lives. It ranks among the top 5 most common forms of Cancer worldwide, with an estimated one in ten men falling victim at some point. It’s a tough one. Most guys have immense trepidation at the mere thought of having their nether-regions fiddled with. Truth be told, it’s an invasive process that doesn’t rank high on anyone’s to do list. Because of this trepidation, however, the disease has become a silent and deadly affliction- one that often goes untreated and undetected until far too late. It’s a tangible reality that many have had to face. Cancer in any form is difficult, but when allowed to fester it becomes a far more sinister entity.

But how does looking like Charlie Chaplin eradicate the problem?
There is no evidence to suggest that growing a moustache cures Prostate Cancer. In fact, if taken at fuzzy face value, the benefits of participation hold little merit aside from aesthetic function. You may appear more, or less, attractive depending on how you pull it off, but moustaches are not a secret miracle cure. They may look majestic, but sadly hold no medicinal merit, unless you consider the art of manliness a form of health science.

So, what’s the point?
The point is to raise awareness through involvement. A quick look into the Movember culture reveals two types of participants- Mo-Bro’s and Mo-Sistas. These ambassadors serve as walking, talking billboards. The whole aim is to get people talking about a highly important yet vastly overlooked mens health issue. Sure, many participants attain sponsorships to encourage their efforts which are in turn donated. However, the main objective is to start conversations and educate.

People will notice your ‘stash and more likely than not comment on it. This opens a door for an entirely different discussion- one that can be as engaging or interactive as you wish. And what, you may ask, is the purpose of a Mo-Sista? To support the men around them by encouraging them to get involved. Mo-Sistas can do anything their fuzzy counterparts can. Except, of course, harbouring a hairy upper lip. Hopefully.

Through participation and the discussions this prompts, 30 days a year revolve around an issue that needs to be addressed. Many of us often get too caught up in our own lives to consider the bigger picture and this presents an opportunity to speak up and educate.

So, gentlemen, we suggest ‘stashing those razors and Mo-tivating yourself to get started. And if you Moustache yourself to whether you can remove it midway, we suggest you shave that conversation for later.