Beard Liberation Front
18th June
Contact: BLF Organiser Keith Flett @keithbeard.bsky.social
Beard Campaigners say Marx’s 1882 view underlines caution on hot weather beard trims
The Beard Liberation Front, the informal network of beard wearers, has said that caution needs to be exercised in beard trimming, as a heatwave with temperatures up to the high twenties centigrade is forecast for some parts of the UK this weekend
The campaigners say that while facial hair can protect against the sun, a full organic beard may be uncomfortable particularly when, as it typically the case in urban areas, high humidity accompanies high air temperatures.
It is possible to cool the beard by using hand held fans, visiting air-conditioned offices and shops and also by briefly immersing it in chilled beer or lager but during a heatwave a prudent trim of the beard can be a way for the hirsute to cope
There is precedent for beard trimming but it comes with a significant degree of caution.
While in Algiers in April 1882 ,towards the end of his life, Marx wrote to Engels that his ‘prophet’s beard’ had been shaved due to hot weather. Photos were taken and Marx wrote to Engels on 6th May 1882 enclosing one. However he noted ‘no art can make a man look worse’ suggesting that he realised that the beard trim had been a mistake
A photo of a comparatively clean-shaven Marx does exist but is believed to be a mock-up rather than an actual picture.
BLF Organiser Keith Flett said, of course we’re not the beard police but we would urge those considering a beard trim to keep Marx’s May 1882 comment in mind. The result may not turn out for the best.
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