Why Did So Many Famous Communists Have Beards

Beards are a statement you can't ignore. We might say that beards are just a whim of fashion – but every man who chooses to grow a beard does so for a reason. Perhaps unsurprisingly, when men grew beards throughout history, it was often as part of a religious or political movement. 

Sikhs grow beards to honor the beauty of creation. The Amish’s chin-strap beard owes its origins to certain verses in the Bible. Even beards like the biker’s horseshoe mustache, the Hollywoodian, or the Van Dyke evoke certain cultures in place and time. 

Little wonder then that communism – especially given its origins in labor movements and the working class – was heavily associated with the beard. How and why did this happen?

In this article, you'll find:

• The Bearded Radical
• The Hippie Wars
• The Return of the Bearded Radical

The Bearded Radical

Previous to the late 19th century, beards were common among the upper classes, the wealthy and powerful men who ran the country. They were a symbol of strength and individuality – a bold statement of one's masculinity and prowess.

However, as the Victorian era drew to its ebb, the beard once again – as it was liable to do – went out of fashion, at least among some quarters of society. Inspired by their communist leaders, the so-called 'bearded radical' became commonplace, marked by their thick, long beard. 

No self-respecting communist or anarchist agitator would be seen without such voluminous facial hair. Throughout the 1830s and 1840s and into later decades, the beard became the icon of labor racialism, socialism, communism – and a dozen other 'isms'. 

Karl Marx is the most obvious example. His wild, unkempt appearance was notable for his bushy black mustache and wide square beard. But he wasn't alone – fellow traveler Friedrich Engels had a long beard, as did anarchist Peter Kropotkin. Lenin, however, only had a goatee, and Stalin was reduced to little more than a mustache. 

Indeed, as the 20th century wore on, the beard became less and less about radicalism as it became a standard part of personal fashion. Everyone from German Imperialists to British Royals wore beards – groups hardly known for their Avant Garde political ideas. 

The Hippie Wars

As the US exited the Second World War, society underwent a transformation. The well-ordered doctrines of the military found their way into everyday life. A generation of men and women, informed by the lessons of war, created a powerhouse society – they're called the Greatest Generation for a reason. Out was the slovenliness of past decades. You shined your shoes and shaved every morning. The clean-shaven look came to symbolize and distinguish the growing middle class. Harper's Weekly christened the phenomenon the "revolt against the whisker."

Then comes the hippie: protesting against the Vietnam War, railing against Watergate, and smoking an endless supply of joints, the quintessential hippy of the 60s and 70s wasn't a beard radical but a bearded pot smoker calling for peace and love. Nonetheless, many of these groups claimed their heritage from communism and socialism, and thus, another generation of beard communists rocked the world's culture and society – especially in America. 

The 1980s marked the return of the clean-shaven look as the yuppie culture emerged, favoring a polished, professional appearance over the unruly beards of the previous decades. This shift wasn't just aesthetic; it mirrored broader societal changes where capitalism and material success became the new idols, replacing the hippie's ideals of peace and communal living. The corporate ladder replaced social protest as the new battlefield.

The Bearded Hippie became a relic of a bygone era, as Wall Street and Silicon Valley set the new trends, dictating not just economic directions but also grooming standards. The razor, once again, became a symbol of conformity and ambition, slicing away the remnants of a rebellious past.

The Return of the Bearded Radical

As the decades roll by, beards seem to be on an eternal cycle between the working and middle classes. For a time, the beard became a symbol of distinguishment and status. Then, suddenly, it flips and is back to being an earthy marker of working-class resistance. It's almost like Yin and Yang. Neither side can have the beard without taking it from the other. 

Strange as this theory sounds, it could mean that the return of the beard radical. 

The beard's cyclical dance is more than mere fashion; it's a pulse of rebellion. As each generation bucks against its forebears, the beard resurfaces, not just as a style but as a defiant symbol. With today's digital megaphone, the bearded radical is not just coming back; he's going viral. A symbol of raw, unfiltered dissent in an era thirsty for authenticity, the beard is poised to be the standard-bearer for modern rebels. 

Environmental crusaders, social justice warriors - they're all growing it out, ready to shake the system. The bearded radical isn't just returning; he's gearing up for a full-blown revolution. Watch this space – the beard is about to become the face of change.

Join the Movement with Beard Sorcery

Ready to join the revolution and make a bold statement with your beard? Be part of a movement that's more than just facial hair; it's a declaration of authenticity, a nod to the rebels of the past, and a banner for today's change-makers. Whatever your cause or creed, your beard is your manifesto.

At Beard Sorcery, we understand that every strand tells a story, and we're here to help you craft yours with the finest grooming products. Our range is designed not just to maintain your beard but to empower your statement. From nourishing oils to sculpting balms, our products are concocted for the modern radical, the environmental crusader, the innovator, and the trailblazer.

So, are you ready to let your beard speak volumes? To wear your convictions on your chin? Visit Beard Sorcery today and arm yourself with the tools you need to make your beard not just seen but heard.