On manhood and Movember…or why the moustache works. (June 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wassersug, Richard; Oliffe, John; Han, Christina
• Is Part Of: Global health promotion. Volume 22:Number 2(2015:Jun.)
• Page Start: 65
• Page End: 70
• Publication Date: 2015-06
• Subjects: prostate cancer -- moustache -- masculinities -- dog tags -- reef knot; Health promotion -- Periodicals; Health education -- Periodicals; 613.05
• DOI: 10.1177/1757975914536913
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1757-9759

Abstract

The unprecedented success of the Movember campaign in raising money for, and awareness of, prostate cancer (PCa) brings with it a novel opportunity to consider how masculinity and men's health can connect. In this essay we first detail the history of some less fruitful endeavors for advancing PCa awareness that played on masculine stereotypes. We then consider how Movember's moustache motif has succeeded. Included are commentaries about why the strongly masculine motifs of combat, loyalty, and aggression couched in military language were not successful when used to promote concern about men's health. Movember in contrast succeeds by focusing on a way that men can express their individuality without resorting to overt acts or signs of aggression or militarism.