Brotherly Beards of Solidarity

The writers have been on strike for months, out of work and out of cash. They have struggled and will continue to do so for some time. It’s tough out there for a scribe.

And for two great men, late night hosts Conan O’Brien and David Letterman, there was only one thing to do. Go back on the air after making the ultimate sacrifice of not shaving.

Much like Gandhi, hunger striking to draw attention to the hegemonic rule of the British, these men are standing up to the powerful forces that control their worlds. For them, growing facial hair is a form of passive resistance that eclipses the mere act of not eating and also a powerful symbol of their solidarity with the struggling writers.

“There is nothing harder for a man, than to go without shaving and grow a beard,” said one writer with tears in his eyes. “These men are my heroes.”

Yes, it may be true that going back on the air and making money for themselves and the networks, that stand united against the writers, does not help the cause, but that was not the issue for Letterman and O’Brien.

The symbolic gesture of throwing fashion sense and longstanding, personal grooming habits out the window, at a great personal cost seemed so much more important. Not working, simply didn’t say enough for these two hosts.

It was a time to take a stand and these two men rose to the occasion.

Because really, what more can any man do for another man, beyond a proud and rebellious display of facial hair?

This is a gesture not easily lost on those in the writing community.

“I am speechless,” stammers writer Jon LaFlave, “The risk that these two, brave men are taking for writers can not and will not be overlooked. I’ve never seen such selfless acts in my lifetime.”

TV will never be the same after what these two men have done.

Maybe someday a writer will come back and document it in an incredibly stirring made-for-TV movie. Until then, it’s reality shows and endless negotiations.