Things that make you go hmmm: Metrosexuals, a new breed of men

[prolesunited]

New Breed of Men: Metrosexuals

Metrosexual: (noun) Of or pertaining to a straight, urban male who is eager to embrace and even show off his feminine side, especially when it comes to expensive haircuts, designer suits, and $40 face cream.

And thanks to a certain type of male celebrity (read: David Beckham, Justin Timberlake, and Ben Affleck), it's now cool for a man to own 43 pairs of Bruno Magli shoes, wear moisturizer, and paint his nails. At least, that's what The New York Times and a handful of papers around the globe say.

The metrosexual guy is not gay. He's "just gay enough," opines the Dublin Daily. He can take real pride in his appearance. He can go shopping with his gal pals and help them mix and match their outfits and accessories. He can stop at the Clinique counter and purchase products--for himself. But unlike years past, he can do all this and still be considered manly. THAT is what the metrosexual revolution is all about.

http://channels.netscape.com/ns/celebrity/package.jsp?name=fte/metrosexuals/metrosexuals


The question is, do we have any metrosexuals in our midst?

[Skittles]

1. these guys are TWITS

I certainly wouldn't want to date one. :puke:

[catzies]

3. They're shallow, vain, and self-obsessed.

But they wouldn't be interested in me anyway. My erstwhile SO was a metrosexual before they coined the word. He still has the same tendencies but is out of the age bracket.

[catpower2000]

2. I like it!

I don't think I would necessarily want to DATE one of them (I embarassingly enjoy my men MANLY--so unenlightened!) but I sure would like to go skin care product shopping with one!

Cat

ps. This is what the TV show "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy" is going to try to do with ALL straight men. :)

[starroute]

27. Shudder

I watched five minutes of that show last week and couldn't hake any more. They took a really cool-looking guy, chopped his hair off, and turned him into somebody who looked like an upscale Brooklyn car dealership owner.

No thanks!

[ForrestGump]

50. They'll never assimilate me

Ha! I display my manly armpits in their general direction! I vigorously scratch my personal regions and copiously mark my territory in protest against their attempted encroachment on my Neandertude.....

[ChompySnack]

4. Whaaaa?

"...he can do all this and still be considered manly."

By who? Certainly not many other men.

Sorry, but wishing that the definition of manly would change does not make it so. "Manly" has evolved over the past century, but not much. Certainly not to include painting nails!!!!

[Maple]

7. Apparently you are unaware

men wore lace, heels, perfume, tights, wigs and corsets up until Beau Brummel changed the fashion trend.

Roman soldiers wore skirts ya know.

So do judges and ministers and the pope.

And of course, there are the Scots.......

[JohnKleeb]

14. yeah true but I always found it odd

Middle ages for most of the time yes?

[Maple]

16. Nope George IV

and all your founding fathers.

Why would it be odd?

In nature, males are the gaudy ones, females the quietly plumed, furred etc.

[JohnKleeb]

26. odd looking

always been a shirt, jeans, and tennis shoes guy. I dunno I am sorry if I sounded judgemental but it would be odd for me to go to school wearing knee britches lol.

[BiggJawn]

40. And Medieval men stuffed their tights.

Just like Junior's flight suit.

"Cod Piece? Gadzooks! Methinks thou hast a Great White Shark in there!"

[LWolf]

44. LOL

Im inordinately fond of "men in kilts." Especially on a breezy day.

More so than the laced, stockinged, corseted, powdered, curled, bewigged types. I won't dress like that myself. A metrosexual male would have nothing to do with me, since I won't paint my nails, wear make-up, etc.!

[ForrestGump]

52. Och aye

Wearing a dress with no underwear, especially on a brisk Highgland morning, is as pure a test of manhood as we'll ever conceive of.

Hoots mon!

[Maple]

5. In other words

someone human, and not a chest thumper playing Tarzan allatime.

[SheepyMcSheepster]

6. what is funny

is that i have heard some radio talk show hosts talking about the 'demasculizing' of men in our culture and how this i dangerous and blasphemous and what not. they say are schools are doing to the kids at an early age. In reality i think it is merely capitalism at work, try to sell people shit they don't need.

[JohnKleeb]

13. thats idiotic of the hosts

Its bloody capitalism yes. "demasculizing" my question how would these private school bred and whom send their kids to private school know what goes on honestly.

[bicentennial_baby]

15. What's wrong with private schools?

I went to private schools my whole life...my little brother went to public school. I don't get your point.

[JohnKleeb]

20. nothing wrong with them

but some people tend to be very judgemental on public schools I have nothing against them personally but I do have something against private school bred people who send their kids there too yet they call public schools the devil basically. I meant no offense what so ever. My dad and his brothers and sisters are private school bred. I meant no offense but some people are very judgemental.

[KCDem]

8. I like a man who dresses well.

But I would NOT want to get together with one who used more styling products than I do. Which is zero. If he wants to occasionally paint his toenails, I don't have a problem with that. But fingers? Sheesh, no way.

[TlalocW]

9. I don't mind going shopping with females

Especially my girlfriend, but I take a book along with me. Once when an ex-still-friend came to see me, I was able to re-read 3/4s of Tolkien's "Return of the King" book while she picked out swimsuits with my carrying a shopping basket and taking a step every now and then when she moved away. Tolkien is very verbose, so you know we were there for a while.

TlalocW

[newyawker99]

53. Congrats TlalocW!! 400 posts

:toast:

[htuttle]

10. So they are kind of like the American version of these guys?

[JohnKleeb]

11. I sure as hell aint one

I dress casually, own a few pairs of shoes, I dont paint my nails,
I get cheap hair cuts, and if I am going to be shopping with gals its only because I am forced or lol theres something in it for me. I am glad to be the antithesis of this "metrosexual".

[Khephra]

12. This is old hat

It's just a pop term for androgyny. Bowie and Adam Ant come to mind.

[Maple]

17. Yup

Agreed.

[Demobrat]

25. Oh, heck yes.

I was working with these guys 20 years ago in the advertising business in Los Angeles. They spent more on their shoes and silk shirts than I did. Way more. They didn't paint their nails, though. They buffed.

[Ilsa]

18. I dated someone like this once.

I swear he was just dying to come out of the closet, but was too repressed (perhaps suppressed is a better word) to do it. Problem was, he also hated himself.

[sugarcookie]

19. I kinda like

that Lord of The Rings "looks like he slept in ditch last night" look! ;)

[catzies]

22. Especially when it's Viggo Mortensen or Orlando Bloom.

Slup. Yum. :evilgrin:

[davidinalameda]

32. I want to be that ditch

if Viggo or Ori are in it!

:bounce:

[Not a robought]

21. Baby boomer, hippie, yuppie, dink, generation x, generation y

and the next flash in the pan meaningless concocted marketing phrase: metrosexual.

[LadeJarl]

23. I'm amazed....

What amazes me more than the new name on a trend is the posts in this thread.

To me it seems that the female posters don't even come close to beeing feminine. Are you all running around in baggy pants and sweatshirts, stinking of sweat? One poster said "... one who used more styling products than I do. Which is zero." Don't you ever take pride in your apperance?

I guess I have been "metrosexual" for as long as I can remember. I love women who looks like women and not like men. If I wanted a man, I would look for one, not a woman looking like a man!

I take pride in my apperance and I dress for the occasion. I shop for clothes and accessories on a regular basis and I get groomed to a cetain extent. I very safe in my masculinity and have no issues with what I'm doing. I think this is something that our society has been missing for a long time. men needs to take more care of themselves, as do, at least this forums women, a lot of women. It's nothing wrong with taking care of yourself and it's nothing wrong with trying to look as good as possible.

But, I guess it is not politically correct enough to dress nice in this crowd?

[prolesunited]

29. Well, what do you expect

from a bunch of god-forsaken, commie, pinko, unwashed, granola eating liberals, especially those evil feminazis like all the women here at DU.
:silly:

Talk about a sweeping generalizations! You have ONE female poster who said she didn't use styling products on her hair. How did you make that HUGE leap that she wears baggy pants, sweatshirts and stinks or takes no pride in her appearance.

And then you take that one comment, which I must add is balanced by another woman saying she would like to have a man to go shopping with for skin products, and come up with this statement:

"To me it seems that the female posters don't even come close to beeing feminine."

And what is your definition of feminine -- likely barefoot and pregnant -- and who are you to define it for the women here.

Personally, I put gel in my hair after my morning shower and if I am going into the office, I'll even wear dresses, earrings and a touch of make up. Do I pass the femininity test for you? But that's MY choice. I'm certainly not going to look down or insult anyone for making different choices.

And, yes, there is a big difference between taking pride in your appearance and being a shallow, insecure dress-up doll riding each fade and gobbling up whatever the marketing gurus are spewing out.

[JohnKleeb]

30. interesting proles

my points are I dont want society to tell me how to dress. I dress causal I guess tshirt usually bright colored occasionally with a flannel shirt, jeans or shorts or something wont wear sweatpants though, and skateboard shoes and no I dont skate but come on out to Virginia to see me try and you'll laugh even harder than you would at my work ID badge.

[greatauntoftriplets]

38. Great response, proles!

Although I am creaking towards my 54th birthday, I still wear skirts above my knees, tank tops and go braless often (not at work or out in public). But I wear little makeup, like my hair au naturel (shades of the 1960s when I came of age).

Men who are overly concerned with grooming are not my type. I like them kinda non-apologetic. I am stealing someone's line but "this is not an airbrushed world".

[LadeJarl]

39. Holy crap!

Somebody has some serious issues here!

My point was that almost every poster said something along the lines of: "Eeeww... I would never date a man like that!". Did you even bother to read all the other comments?

my main point is that there are a whole slew of women that dresses so ugly and never take care of themselves. I personally like a woman who take care of herself and dresses nicely and for the occasion. Not one that always runs around in baggy pants and sweatshirts, looking like they are out on a 5 mile run when they actually are shopping at Publix.

And posting a comment like "And what is your definition of feminine -- likely barefoot and pregnant -- and who are you to define it for the women here." goes miles to show your own ignorance and perjudice. And for the record, no that is not my ideal woma, far from it.

Why is it that some women (many actually) has such a problem with looking decent? Taking care of your appearnce is important, the first impression is only poissble to give once. Why wouldn't you want that impression to be as good as possible?

You can call me shallow all you want, but I know many, many women who dress and look sharp and have a brain to go with it. That is a killer combination, but I guess that is too muvh for you to understand?

This has nothing to do with intelligence, but with apperance. And a good apperance doesn't make you less of a woman. Unless your own selfesteem si too low and you envy good looking women to the point where you start hating them and everyone who likes them. Mea culpa!

[prolesunited]

41. I don't have any issues with this

There are also a whole slew of men that dress ugly and don't seem to take care of their appearance either. Are you trying to say women take less care of their appearance than men.

I will give you the "barefoot and pregnant" line was a little over the top. :-)

And where is this "some women (many actually)" don't care how they look. Where do you live? I'm not seeing that as a general trend where I live. And how do you know this applies to the DU women here. Have you met them? Have you seen their pictures? I have and I think you will find them quite attractive. Just ask the other men here.

And I agree, for both men and women, looking nice and having a brain to match is an ideal combination, but I'll take brains, coupled with sensitivity, compassion, any day.

"Unless your own selfesteem si too low and you envy good looking women to the point where you start hating them and everyone who likes them." <-- Umm, no, this isn't a problem for me if that is what you are implying. I don't hate men and I'm not jealous of other women.

However, I think it was awfully presumptuous to make such insinuations about the women here based on a few idle comments.

[LadeJarl]

43. Your attitude says differently..

As a comment to your last sentence, I based my comments on the same information and viewpoints as the rest of the comments here. I think most of the comments made so far and were negative towards the male grooming thing is even worse. I feel you think I'm a conceited bastard, but that goes just the opposite way too. Why? Because, the rest of the posts is "politically correct" while mine was not, hence it is easy for you to bash mine.

When it comes to the comments about other people, I based my comment upon the information found in the other posts here and the attitude, which clearly showed that a lot of people were disgusted with it. Why? What is wrong with it? Is it because a real man should smell like a construction worker and dress slobby but have a great brain? Is that the ideal man?

There is also a difference between taking care of your appearance and going over the top. This is true for both men and women.

I do think that it is the same with both men and women, a lot of them dress sloppily and are very ungroomed. Please excuse me if I came through as if I meant only women, I do not. Men is often worse, but over the years, it seems to be evening out a bit.

[prolesunited]

45. No, I don't think

you're a conceited bastard and I wasn't "bashing" you or picking on you because you were not "politically correct." You personally called a out a very nice poster and said things about her that I know are not true and then you said derogatory things about all of the women here. Why would I not call you on it?

I'm glad you have pride in your appearance and take care of yourself. But again, you're using extreme examples. There is middle ground between being a slob and smelling like a construction worker and being self-obsessed. And the definition of ideal man is going to vary from woman to woman, just as the ideal woman is going to vary from man to man.

Apparently, we don't agree on either, but I do wish you had a more open mind about the people who post here. Perhaps if you stick around longer, you will not be so quick to judge or make sweeping generalizations -- which was my entire point to begin with.

Anyways, I'm off to my other job. Have a nice evening. :hi:

[catpower2000]

46. Well, try this on for size...

I look damn good. I go to a great deal of trouble with my appearance. I wear good clothes and I groom myself impeccably. I'm also intelligent, opinionated, and liberal as hell. And you know what? I would never date you. You know why? Your attitude sucks.

Cat

[LWolf]

47. You can dress to the 9s and I'll still love ya

I just won't do it. For a bunch of reasons:

1. I want my clothes to be comfortable. I'd better be able to move freely in them, and they'd better handle sweat. Yes, I bathe once or twice a day. But I'm also active, and sweat happens. On my free time you'll find me gardening, hiking, and riding and maintaining and cleaning up after 2 horses. I can't seem to get through an hour without spilling something on whatever it is I'm wearing.

2. I want my clothes to breathe. I like natural fabrics. I will not wear synthetics.

3. I will not take my clothes to a dry cleaner; I don't have the time, cash, or inclination to damage the environment any further. I also don't iron. Just because it's a waste of my time.

4. I will not color my hair. I figure I've earned those grays.I will keep it trimmed and clean. And out of my way, for the most part. I do blow dry it on mornings I'm headed to work. I will hairspray it to keep it from wilting into straggles. I don't style it. No time or inclination.

5. I won't wear anything but the most comfortable, serviceable flat shoes. In hot weather, I wear canvas sneakers, even under dresses. In cool weather, I wear boots.

6. I hate stockings with a passion. I'll wear tights, leggings, or go bare-legged, but I can't stand the pantyhose.

I've made these choices because I think it's ok to be me. I like me. I take pride in who I am. I don't need to change who or what I am to please others. And, after 2 ten year marriages, I've learned that there is always someone younger and more decorative coming down the pipe no matter what I do. I expect my friends and SOs to value me for who I am, not for what I'm wearing or how I've decorated myself. I'm not a decoration.

I do take care of myself, most of the time. Sometimes I slack when the work schedule overwhelms me. I bathe, eat well, drink plenty of water, get plenty of sleep...and exercise in the course of chores.

And I still consider myself to be plenty feminine. I guess it's all in the definition.

[LuminousX]

24. Pure Market Factors at Work

The cosmetics industry are seeing that they have an untapped market in men. So they are doing what they can to open that market up.

In a way, it is good. Many men need and should be using moisturizers and eye-creams. In a way, this is bad. No "Man" should know about T-Zones or be concerned about pores.

[jonnyblitz]

28. Damn I AM gay and I don't all that...

Perhaps my membership will be revoked and I will have to return the toaster oven....shit.

[Lars39]

31. Snappy dressers, ladies' man, dappers dans, strutting roosters....

Some in every era. :shrug:

[Paragon]

33. I'll let you know after I take a shower...

...with my new Neutrogena Power Scrub Deodorant Bar.



Honestly, I can't think of anything more tired than accusing straight men that they're somehow gay. Some of this stuff appeals to the gadget-lover in men, and the rest of us are tired of smelling like lilac and apples 'n' shit after we lather up. Get over it.

[short bus president]

34. Huh? Methosexuals?

[prolesunited]

35. Don't do that!

God that freaked me out. LOL!

[JohnKleeb]

36. oh my fucking god its Andrew Coulter

Run for your lives children dont look at his face or you will be frozen.

[smirkymonkey]

37. As far as I am concerned, the Meterosexual might as well be gay..

I just can't take a guy like that seriously in a romantic/sexual way. It's too creepy. I even think women who act like that are creepy, I don't want a guy who takes longer to get ready in the morning than I do (15 mins). Yuk!

[greatauntoftriplets]

42. I know gay men who don't go in for the metrosexual BS.

Not their thing.

[mitchum]

48. I'm a narcissistic fop, but the metrosexuals are ridiculous

The AJC had a big feature on this trend last week. The guys are just well-trained consumers.

[musiclawyer]

49. Stop It.

I've been metrosexual for years, way before David Beckham was even on the ManU reserves. (But I live in the country). As a proud metrosexual, I eschew socks, flip flops and especially birkenstocks! (And by the way, the best face cream comes from Puritan's Pride in New York State.) There!

[ForrestGump]

51. Had me worried

I thought it was about men who wanted to get intimate with small Chevrolet automobiles.

That could be dangerous, if the exhaust pipe was still hot.

[JohnKleeb]

54. heh

I get it though "metrosexual" as in metropolitan. Now :evilgrin: what do you call a surbanite guy? a subsexual hehe.