March 7, 2008

A Boy's First Shave

This link about a boy's first shave was sent to me by a contributor because it reminded him of an important rite of passage in his (or any boy's) life.

Sitting here, I can remember the feeling and fragrance of mountains of creamy smooth menthol foam shave cream on my face and the glow it left when I was done. It may have actually been more about those sensations than removing the fuzz I was considering a beard in those days. But I was shaving, taking part in a masculine ritual, and definitely feeling more manly.

The article actually has some great advice and information I wish I knew when I was first starting to shave. That I didn't get that transmission of important male knowledge (and a lot other information) is more testimony to how absent the men in my male tribe were. I'm sad about that today.

It's also somehow strange and a little embarrassing that this important information is located on the Woman Republic website.

When you were on the brink of manhood, who taught you to shave and other important and practical guy skills?

1 comment:

  1. Just want to say thanks for this blog and for your work. I've been in Big Brothers for 9 yrs and believe this is important stuff. And a new warrior for 7 yrs. Keep up the great work!

    Willie
    Glorious Cheetah
    Dec 2000

    ReplyDelete

Your response to this blog post is appreciated and welcome. Thanks!