To beard or not to beard? That is the question.
I have always disliked beards, though I don’t have a strong reason for doing so. I simply believe that men look better without them, and not having a beard is probably more convenient.
However, since arriving at Franciscan University, I realized that many men here have beards, and I started to grow curious as to why.
I decided to do some research on opinions on beards, including the benefits and drawbacks of having one. After all, I had never really asked why a man prefers facial hair.
“It keeps your face warm,” said Jacob Close, residence director of Saints Elizabeth and Louis Hall.
Orlando Calzudes, a graduate student, said, “There is a very masculine aspect about it … if they’re able to grow a beard, why not?”
I began to agree with Close and Calzudes. It made sense that facial hair would keep someone warm, and I admit, a beard is definitely masculine. But I was still not satisfied, so I asked some women for their opinions on beards.
Olivia Campbell, a freshman, said, “Certain people can pull off a beard very, very well,” adding that when guys look cool in beards, “it makes me wish I could grow a beard.”
Sister Emma Ruth Greathouse, TOR, said, “I’m actually a big beard fan … it’s authentically manly.”
Claire Perez, a freshman, remarked, “For some guys who have a specific style, having a beard can enhance that style.”
As I listened to the numerous women I talked to, I realized that beards do have benefits. However, there must be some downsides as well. Of those I interviewed, even those who have beards mentioned some cons.
Close noted that beards “get itchy [and] front face dandruff … gets all over your shirt.”
Calzudes said a beard “has to look very well kept,” and can get overgrown, but also remarked that “All of the cons aren’t that huge for me.”
These were all solid points, and I considered each one. I was almost ready to make my own final opinion, but I decided to consult one more source: Catholic saints.
St. Augustine said, “The beard signifies the courageous; the beard distinguishes the grown men, the earnest, the active, the vigorous.” Many other Catholic figures, including St. Clement of Alexandria and St. John Chrysostom, spoke in favor of beards as well.
After reviewing all the pros and cons, I have decided that beards are not always bad. In fact, they can be very good too. I agree with Calzudes that although beards have some downsides, their benefits are pretty significant. I guess it all depends on whether the pros outweigh the cons or not.
So, to beard or not to beard? To both!