Grizzly Adams

I'm currently growing a beard for the first time in years and I'd forgotten just how much a beard can divide opinion. Some people seem to like it but the majority seem to think there is something wrong with me if I want to have a beard. There has been a fair bit of good natured mocking. You do also get a lot more funny looks from people, even strangers in the street. It does take a bit of getting used to.
It just goes to show how much society changes.
Beards used to be a sign of wisdom and virility in certain cultures. If you ever see old painting or photos then pretty much every man has some kind of facial hair. No doubt it was a case that those without facial hair were mocked.
Beards seemed to fall out of fashion during the first world war. Firstly this was due to the use of gas masks as beards prevented them fitting properly onto the face. Secondly it was for reason of hygiene. Many man crowded together in the same place meant disease could be rife including lice so beards were often shaved off.
I guess society has never really accepted beards again since then (apart from religion). Maybe it's up to me to make a stand on behalf of all men to reclaim the beard. Alternatively all the peer pressure will get to me and I'll cave in and shave.