By Christopher Short
Staff Writer
April 29, 2014
What do ZZ Top, Karl Marx and Ulysses S. Grant have in common? Facial hair.
Facial hair is a complex phenomenon. It is multi-faceted and dynamic. In fact, growing a beard involves science, virtue and art.
The beard is science: Beard cultivation is a product of one’s genes and physiological construct. It is a scientific process and falls under what is known as pogonotrophy, which is defined by the Farlex dictionary as: the act of cultivating, or growing and grooming, a mustache, beard, sideburns or other facial hair.
“Let’s set aside the incredible stylishness for a moment and talk about the science,” said Randy Lovegreen, a 43-year-old California State University, Bakersfield nursing major. “From a purely objective, scientific perspective we know that beards grant their wearer an evolutionary advantage.
For example, in areas where temperatures are very low, they prevent frostbite and warm the incoming air reducing insensible moisture loss. In areas where food is scarce, they can often trap small bits and pieces of food serving as an emergency food supply. And finally, the beard also says to the female of the species ‘See? I am virile and ready to mate’, serving, if you will, as an external, visible manifestation of the internal testosterone levels.”
Though the beard requires time and energy, once a beard has matured, it possesses many characteristics.
According to doghousediaries.com, the beard filters the air of toxins, acts as a homing beacon attracting the jealousy of the beardless, increases cognitive abilities, and instinctually lets you know where the nearest mountain is.
The beard is virtue: Promoting patience and commitment, the beard separates the boys from the men.
Beards provoke leadership qualities that transcend the average male. Most of all in accordance to virtue, it inspires contemplative philosophical thought.
“A beard is sometimes a pillow for the thinking man,” said J.D. Roach, a 24-year-old CSUB philosophy major.
Facial hair further displays character and defines modern masculinity. Some have asked how do you shave your beard like a man? Truth is, you don’t.
The beard is art: There is an entire industry built on the art of facial hair. Websites such as artofmanliness.com and beardedgospelmen.net, television shows including Duck Dynasty and Whisker Wars and documentaries such as The Winter of the Beard are among the facial hair media empire.
The beard is an art form.
“Like a work of art, the beard is manipulated with hands and patience to create a form of self-expression,” said Robyn Dyer, a 29-year-old CSUB art education major.
The beard isn’t a fad. The beard is a statement and the essence of masculinity. It is important to remember that a man doesn’t simply grow a beard. A beard simply grows a man.