I'm never really one to dabble into trends and other "everyone is doing it" movements. Especially, one that has a hashtag tied to it. After all, doesn't everything - anything - need a hashtag to somehow advocate and legitimize it's existence?
Regardless, after reading the story in which D'Angelo Williams was denied the opportunity by the NFL to wear pink all year in support of the fight against cancer, a cause so personal to him due to losing four family members to cancer, it made wonder, how personal are some of these causes to those who within the cause, businesses and to others?
Clearly, the NFL only participates in October's pink awareness because it looks good to the public. And there are so many who do it also because of the trendy nature of the time. Pink suddenly is cool to everyone. Again, good cause, great awareness, but how personal is it?
After looking into the Movember movement in late October, I slowly began to grow and understand the cause for Mens Health. With so many opportunities and movements to support and bring awareness to women's health throughout the year, I found there was a lacking effort for men. More so when you consider the growing number of cases of prostate, Alzheimer, and dementia cases, and the overall exercise conundrum that faces men worldwide.
And of course, there is my father, who is now in his late sixties, and has troubles and signs of early-dementia. So yes, for me, now, it's personal.
This November 2015, it was easy for me to donate a few bucks, shave clean and sport the ever-bearing symbol of the movement - a mustache. Yes, I've never done so, and one week in, I am already getting looks and questions of my odd (and somewhat, creepy) appearance.
But you know what? It stirs discussion, and it brings about awareness to the cause that is affecting men worldwide. And for me, it supports a life principal, and of course, it's personal. I can definitely rock a mustache for a month to bring about awareness for such a cause.
Be sure to check out the Movember movement, or you know, the #Movember movement. Yup, hashtags!
Also, here are the rules for those of you looking to join in on the cause, as it's not too late!
Once registered at Movember.com, each Mo Bro must begin the 1st of Movember with a clean-shaven face.
- For the entire month of Movember, each Mo Bro must grow and groom a mustache.
- There is to be no joining of the Mo to your side burns. (That’s considered a beard)
- There is to be no joining of the handlebars to your chin. (That’s considered a goatee)
- Each Mo Bro must conduct himself like a true country gentleman.