Disclaimer: I do not care if you shave. I do not care if you do not shave. I do not care what you shave or what you do not shave. I care about why you do it.
Everyone knows that No Shave November is right around the corner. Very few are educated on the actual meaning behind No Shave November. I often hear/see one line (or a variation of this line) that really sets me off:
"Thank goodness I don't have a boyfriend and don't have to shave for November. #NoShaveNovember"
*eye roll*
This bothers me. A lot.
The females who say this are implying that because they have no man they can let their hair grow wild for the month of November because, well, its just No Shave November — it's just what you do.
I have two major problems with this:
1. The purpose of No Shave November is to raise awareness for those suffering from cancer, through embracing our own hair. The advocates of No Shave November state that the money we typically spend on razors, shaving cream, etc should be donated to cancer research and education.
Some people think it's just to embrace winter coming or to celebrate shorts season ending. Nope. Not even close.
Because No Shave November is such a wide spread and popular event it makes sense that sometimes the true meaning gets lost in translation. With that being said, now you all know the true meaning. Consider yourself educated.
2. What does not having, or having, a man have to do with the hair on your body?
Your body is your body. As females, what kind of message are we sending to the men in our lives if we alter our bodies for them and them only? What kind of message are we sending to the men in today's society if we need to seek approval from them like that? Why does having a boyfriend not allow you to participate in a cancer awareness event?
Shave your legs because you love how soft they feel afterward.
Don't shave your legs because you don't like to accidentally cut yourself.
Shave your legs because it helps you feel more confident.
Don't shave your legs because you want to raise awareness for cancer.
When you decide to participate or not to participate in No Shave November do it for the right reasons and be educated about why you are doing it.
