Question by The Equalist: Are men getting more “metrosexual” as time progresses? Are we seeing a cultural shift in the masculine dynamic
5 years ago, I couldn’t tell you what the hell “bodyspray” was. Actually I somewhat knew, because I knew this could be found in the women’s hygeine section of convenience stores, supermarkets, and drug stores. Today, with the rise in popularity of “Axe” and many copycat companies, men’s bodyspray is everywhere. I’d even state that there are more bodyspray selections in the men’s section than there are in the women’s.
I also notice that there are now special exfoliating face washes in the men’s section, along with face moisturizing creams. This is something I didn’t see 5-10 years ago.
But what caught my attention a couple days ago, while I was at Rite Aid, shopping for shampoo; I saw in the men’s section a selection of various “masks” — you know those avacado masks and mud masks that you usually see women wear? Yes, these were for men, with men’s faces on the front of the package. There were many selections too — “hydrating masks”, “avacado masks”, “mud masks”, etc.
Cultural shifts are nothing new — most of women’s clothing today were originally worn by men, including eyeliner and makeup.
Are men getting more “metrosexual” as time progresses? Will this become more “accepted” by society’s perception of masculinity? Are we seeing a cultural shift in the masculine dynamic?
Do you think this cultural shift is good or bad for society as a whole? Explain.
Best answer:
Answer by S P
That term is so… asinine. It’s just a political correct way of saying ‘dandy’, ‘pansy’, ‘sissy, or ‘fop’. I hope that fad dies fast. One of the best things about being a man is not having to do much for your personal looks, now these pansies are trying to turn the whole gender into a bunch of coxcombery jack asses.
Add your own answer in the comments!
face cream, body spray no problem masks now thats taking it too far
That’s scary, but I guess anything goes when it comes to feminism, so that women no longer feel oppressed; I still call it a bunch of bogus crap.
If you can get people to buy it go for it. Personally I think it is all crazy.
I think so…but I think it is driven by the media and consumerism. Male ‘sex symbols’ are everywhere, and being shoved down the throats of both men and women. And as we have seen the female public buying into the need to look more like our ‘icons’, so too are the men feeling the need to fall in line.
In the end, if it makes you feel good to do more about your appearance, then great. The lotions and potions are now available for everyone – and up to them as to whether or not they use them…
I think that most straight men would still be embarrassed, even in this day and age, to have other men find out that he purchased, much less used, a facial mask. I think there are only a select few men out there that are buying these “metro” products and there are many more men out there resisting being “metro”. Its just a fad.
Could be, only time will tell. There will always be men who prefer to not undertake activities that could be viewed as feminine. I suspect the macho types will never go out of style.
Personally, I like a well groomed man. There’s nothing wrong with a man taking care of their skin to stave off wrinkles. I like a man that has well trimmed, clean nails, and has some sense on how to dress, whether it’s casual or black tie. But I do draw the line when it comes to makeup. I don’t think I will ever be comfortable with my boyfriend wanting to borrow my mineral makeup, lipgloss and mascara. In my opinion, that’s going over the line.
It’s a way to feminize men and to turn them all into “yes” men for women.
I don’t know if it qualifies as a full-on cultural shift, but remember that these things are cyclical. There was a time when a man used makeup to send a signal that he belonged to a certain class, even in the United States among the rugged individualists!
I don’t think men are getting more “metro-sexual”, I just think being “metro-sexual” is becoming more acceptable.
So now you have less “closet metrosexuals” than before. Back in the day men had more pressure to be macho. Even gay men SEEMED less common because more of them were in the closet.
So now in 2008.. most for the macho men are naturally macho and the girly men are just being themselves.
I think..
I hope…
From what I understand, keeping your face clean, moisturized, and exfoliated decreases irritation and ingrown hairs after shaving, so what’s wrong with these skin care products for men? What’s wrong with having skin that is healthy, clean(yes, I understand there are times when your face can’t stay clean), and non-irritated? I think that once people realize that taking care of your body, hair, and skin isn’t just a female thing, every thing will be better. I have no problems with a guy that takes care of himself in that way(just as long as he doesn’t go overboard like some women do).
The only thing I have an issue with in the products you named are the body sprays, but then again, I have a very sensitive sense of smell, and the stuff they put in the majority of “smell good” products bug, and irritate, the hell out of me, so I can do with out a man that uses anything beyond a basic aftershave and/or cologne, and deodorant(and even some of those are too strongly scented for me).
“Metrosexualty” started off as a joke about how modern man had been about to con women into believing that they were more ‘gender’ compatible than were their fathers. The trouble is that America never quite got the joke. Women wanted men to be more ‘European’ in their out look and tastes. Men played along with them for a while, got what they wanted and then ‘rediscovered’ themselves via sports ans D.I.Y. projects. There are some men who will always feel a need to pamper themselves, these are the same people who order bottled water by the vintage. Don’t worry it this life style is not for you it is just a cultural fad. The average man is quite happy to just use soap, shampoo and an underarm deodorant hat won’t let him down.