In the days of yore, a beard was a mark of masculinity and virility. In the Celtic traditions of Ireland and Scotland, it was often seen as dishonourable for a Gaelic man to go around clean shaven. In the middle ages, even something as touching or holding someone else's beard was seen as a serious offence, one that would have to be righted in a duel. I feel that the reason people nowadays dislike beards is due to the general pussification of the world. There are only two people who go about beardless, boys and women, and I am neither. Skål!