Movember Campaign: Grow a Mo, Save a Bro!
Awareness ribbons can be found all over the world. From yellow ribbons to remember the unfortunate South Korean Sewol Ferry incident to pink ribbons to raise awareness for women with breast cancer. No matter where we see them, the idea is the same: support for a certain cause, organization, or group of people. Starting in 2003, an innovative group called The Movember Foundation has established its cause to save men who are dying at too young an age by proudly using their moustaches as ribbons.
Movember is a portmanteau of two terms: “Mo” (as in moustache) and “vember” (as in November). This campaign is an annual event where men grow moustaches and fundraise during the month of November to raise awareness about men’s health issues. Unlike the ribbon-esque fashion of alerting the public, this movement more actively promotes ways to literally and figuratively “change the face of men’s health.” Also known as the Mo Bros and Mo Sistas, people of all ages, gender, and origins dedicate themselves to promote frequent health checkups and to raise awareness for the health issues men have faced for decades. Also, the Mo Sistas, a rather unexpected campaigning group, proudly dedicate themselves to support the Mo Bros and also stand as a driving force for a change to those who are concerned about growing a facial friend for a full-30 days.
The Movember Foundation has even inspired SMIC teachers to support the cause. On the first day of November, SMIC high school teachers, including Mr. David Osborn, Coach Jeffrey Martinez, and Coach Wesley Davis have shaved their moustaches clean in order to prepare for a hairy journey in November! As for a reason to participate, Coach Wesley Davis emphasized that “this challenge is to bring awareness to Prostate Cancer – a cancer considered a silent killer…which reminds people daily that our fathers, brothers and friends are dying and that people shouldn’t be dying because of embarrassment.”
As a Mo Bro, Mr. Osborn, the AP Psychology teacher, considers this moustache-growing activity a great method “to remind myself and others about the importance of seeking help for both mental and physical issues.” Whether through Twitter, Facebook, WeChat, or in person, the Mo Bros at SMIC urges for more teachers to promote this health campaign for the good of everyone.
November, of course, is the month commonly associated with Thanksgiving. However, in 2017, the Movember Movement supporters hope that this month will also become known as a health-supportive campaign for men from all around the world in the future, because “growing a moustache can make a difference.”
Photos courtesy of Jennifer Kwon
Featured image: Coach Martinez and Coach Wes caught by “the fuzz”
Please click here for more information on the Movember Foundation.