Unit 93
Metrosexual Man
If you haven't heard the term yet, one of the hottest buzzwords in the media today is "metrosexual". Arnold Schwarznegger is a metrosexual -- as are Brad Pitt, and soccer superstar David Beckham. And some social observers believe it's just a matter of time until "metrosexual" becomes part of the English vocabulary -- and perhaps one day a description of the average urban male's lifestyle.
But what exactly is a metrosexual? The most widely accepted definition is the following: an urban male with a strong aesthetic sense, who spends a great deal of time and money on his appearance and lifestyle. Proponents might describe them as "heterosexual males, who are secure in their masculinity, and take personal responsibility for their appearance." While critics might call them "self-obsessed men who will go to any lengths in the name of vanity."
While this is a debate that will undoubtedly continue for many years to come, it brings to light an issue that clearly needs to be addressed in this age of changing views on masculinity.
For example, while no one blinks an eye when a woman watches her weitht, buys designer clothes, or takes care of her skin, it can be perceived as a negative thing for a man; as if somehow less masculine. If a man were to try and accommodate both sides of the fence, that is, emulate the idealized men in the media, while avoiding any time spent on his appearance (to prove his masculinity), he'd soon realize it was a no-win situation.
So, how does the average male discern what's acceptable amidst the mixed signals of our culture? The answer lies within each man's comfort zone, and how willing he is to stretch beyond it. The harsh reality is that looking healthy and attractive in this day is something that impacts the lives of each and every one of us. While this may not seem fair to some, the truth is that looking good affects how others perceive us, how we perceive ourselves, and can have a strong influence on every facet of our lives.
What men must come to terms with is that it is impossible to maintain a healthy, attractive appearance without spending some time managing and maintaining it. Fortunately, times are changing and many men are embracing personal pride in their appearance, breaking free of the outdated traditions that claim men aren't supposed to care how they look.
The beauty industry is well aware of this, thus every year we see the continued growth of grooming products for specific male needs. No longer do men have to settle for the antiquated, generic soaps, shaving creams, shampoos, and other grooming products of their father's. For example, men now have a multitude f shaving cream choices, with many products containing skin conditioners, emollients, lubricants, even vitamins.
While the average male may never fully embrace the term "metrosexual", more and more of them are embracing the ideal. Men are finally discovering what women have known for centuries; that taking care of yourself is not only essential to maintain an attractive appearance, but that a bit of pampering can be quite enjoyable too. |