What does a beard signify? (micro blog)

Manliness? Masculinity? Well, if we look at history the answer is yes. There have been several periods in history when beard was considered to be a sign of masculinity.

There have also been periods in which people believed that being clean shaven signifies a better man or a man of higher I intellect. For instance, Alexander The Great established being clean shaven as a normal. While many leaders after him believed the opposite.

If we look at the religious front, beard is considered to be relating to the Muslim religion. Even Sikhs give high importance to facial hair. Other religions like the Hindu and Christian are mostly seen clean shaven.

This is the general view. A view that separates us in different categories. I being a person who carries a beard know how absurd can it get to have a heavy beard. All the guards treat you with extra scrutiny as they think of me being a Muslim. But I’m not, I’m a Hindu. But still they’d suspect me to be a terrorist.

Now modern view about beards, it’s a widespread notion that beards are unprofessional. This is true, but only until someone challenges it. We don’t have a cool CEO in India who has a beard. But I hope someone goes against the status quo. Even if noone does, I will.

Lastly, coming onto what does it actually mean to grow and maintain a beard. This is something you need to know about. Growing and maintaing a beard is hell difficult. Beard needs to be constantly washed, just like your face because ultimately it’s on your face. The skin under the beard is extremely vulnerable to dryness and allergies if not kept well.

So keeping a beard actually requires you to be a man. A man who has the patience and determination to grow a beard despite all the challenges.

A man with a beard signifies patience and perseverance more than anything else. Even masculinity.

-ChoubeySahab