Are you a Metrosexual?

[David Ayers]

Anyway who really NEEDS more than one pair of shoes?

[J.A.W.]

...and keep your wild hairs in a National Socialist civilized format?

?? What's that supposed to mean?

[jazzbo]

yeah, one pair of shoes was my philosophy til I got married. Now I have three: a dress pair, and I searched til I found a comfortable pair of Rockports, for suits, which unfortunately I have to have as well; a pair of Birkenstock Chicagos for work and evening wear, and my old pair of Rockport Prowalkers--my former everyday/evening pair--for mowing the lawn and yard and garage work, etc!

Marriage sure does change ya!

[EKE BBB]

TWO here!

...but still I don´t understand what metrosexual means!

[Jad]

Another 2. But I consider Elmore Leonard to be classic, and I've got some bushy-ass eyebrows.

[Jazzmoose]

I suppose that means that I'm not sexually attracted to public transportation.

Yeah, that's the first thing I thought of when I saw the title!

[Templejazz]

ahem....mm......three...........*cough*

*ahem*

[connoisseur series500]

yeah, one pair of shoes was my philosophy til I got married. Now I have three: a dress pair, and I searched til I found a comfortable pair of Rockports, for suits, which unfortunately I have to have as well; a pair of Birkenstock Chicagos for work and evening wear, and my old pair of Rockport Prowalkers--my former everyday/evening pair--for mowing the lawn and yard and garage work, etc!

Marriage sure does change ya!

I've got two pairs of shoes, and one of them is in the shop being repaired. The tailor claims I can get another year out of them for $50.

[connoisseur series500]

And they've been sitting in the shop for a couple of weeks now even though they were ready for pickup last week. Haven't gotten around to it yet. Too busy posting on this board.

[pryan]

Apparently I'm a lost cause - I scored a 1. BTW, the "last book I read" category did not have sufficient answers; but that's neither here nor there as the test was kinda stupid anyhow.

[connoisseur series500]

I promise the Organissimo boys that I'll be turning up at their Ann Arbor gig on October 9th and 10th sporting my snazzy newly-repaired shoes.

[connoisseur series500]

As a transplanted Jamaican, I subscribe to the Rastafarian view that no capital improvements are necessary while inhabiting this temporary abode.

Edited September 24, 2003 by connoisseur series500

[AfricaBrass]

For those who wonder what this metrosexual thing is, I've done some cut and paste for you.

I really think this is pretty silly.

from wordspy.com

metrosexual

(MET.roh.sek.shoo.ul) n. A dandyish narcissist in love with not only himself, but also his urban lifestyle; a straight man who is in touch with his feminine side.

—metrosexuality n.

from theage.com.au

Rise of the Metrosexual

March 11 2003

He loves Armani, is seen just as often near a catwalk as competing in sport, confesses an adulation for Kylie Minogue, even designs his own jewellery. But he's not gay.

So Ian Thorpe told Australia in a radio interview last November. With interests outside the domain of the traditional, Aussie, macho male, Thorpe talked about his sexuality for the first time. He was flattered that the gay community identified with him, he said, but he was, in fact, heterosexual. "You know, I'm a little bit different to what most people would consider being an Australian male," Thorpe told ABC Radio.

But he's not that different, at all. Men of all sexualities are taking a greater interest in their appearance. They go to hairdressers rather than barbers; avoid using soap because it's too harsh on their skin; visit the gym instead of playing sport and even have difficulty deciding what to wear.

They're occupying their time differently - not only spending more of it in front of the mirror, but also at boutiques, in bars rather than pubs, enjoying a dance at a nightclub and going to beauty salons. Cosmetics brands such as Ella Bache say men make up as much as 40 per cent of their salon customers in some areas.

Marketers are spurring on the change, dropping the macho element from products that target men. Gone are the tough male images, even from beer and car ads.

Men's fashion chains are growing, with women's stores such as Esprit launching men's ranges, and department stores offering boutique-style experiences. Men's magazines are increasing their coverage of fashion - not just for editorial reasons, but because they're getting more ads. The men's title FHM says its fashion and grooming advertising has increased 35 per cent over the past three years.

Twenty years ago, male fashion, skin care and vanity in general were identified with gay men. Now sexuality, it seems, is irrelevant. In fact, British newspapers have even found a new word for the softer man: the "metrosexual".

David Beckham, the man whom British academics have credited with changing male behaviour, has been deemed the ultimate metrosexual.

Beckham has helped break "masculine codes", says Warwick University sociology professor Dr Andrew Parker, "defying various manly expectations such as what clothes a man is allowed to wear".

Mark Wahlberg's semi-naked appearance for Calvin Klein underwear in the early 1990s is often cited as the beginning of mainstream male vanity.

Like Thorpe, he's a "little bit different" from the traditional, heterosexual male.

Beckham may be captain of the English soccer team, but he wears sarongs and nail polish, and has even posed for gay magazines. As the American online magazine Salon said, he has admitted that he likes to be admired, and does not care if it's by women or by men.

Whether they have heard of the term "metrosexual", that's how men across the world are appearing. Stores such as the Myer Grace Bros chain say it's a trend that's starting to hit the mainstream. This year, the company will launch a department for male cosmetics and fragrances. While David Jones says its men's cosmetics range is experiencing double-digit growth.

There have always been men who have taken great care of their appearance, but now, says Myer Grace Bros cosmetics buyer Marissa Galatis,

"we are trying to appeal to the wider, men's market. In particular, to young men: a lot of this growth is driven by them."

Mark Wahlberg's semi-naked appearance for Calvin Klein underwear in the early 1990s is often cited as the beginning of mainstream male vanity. Marketing legend has it that the ad was aimed at a gay market, but straight men took notice. Whether it was because women were ogling, or men themselves thought the former rapper looked good, Calvin Klein soon became cult clubwear, with men wearing their pants low to show off the brand.

Ten years ago, Weight-Watchers was strictly for women and "gutbusting" was seen as the more acceptable term for a bloke. Now it's OK for guys to watch their weight.

"The under-40s are certainly interested in the way they look and their physique," says Allan Bolton, a key developer of WeightWatchers for Men. "Over-40s are interested in how they look for the health benefits."

Role models are changing and it's not just Beckham and Thorpe. Brad Pitt, Tom Cruise, Pat Rafter, Hugh Jackman, Lachlan Murdoch and footballers such as Craig Wing are manicuring their appearance and showing their softer side: Rafter appears as a caring father; Jackman in musicals as well as in tough-guy roles in films such as X-Men. Wing told women about his gentle side in a Cleo bachelor-of-the-year competition.

In response to this groundswell, magazine publishers have established men's titles such as Men's Health and GQ. Even the blokier ones such as FHM and Ralph have increased their fashion and skin-care coverage.

The general manager of men's wear at David Jones, David Bush, says, "There's no doubt that David Beckham, Robbie Williams and Ian Thorpe and the 'blokey blokes' that are interested in fashion send the message that, by being so, you are not going to look like a fairy.

"Twenty years ago, we sold clothes and now we sell fashion." Younger men, in particular, are taking to their bodies with closer shavers, fragrances, moisturisers and hair dye. Calvin Klein's fragrances, Crave, is aimed primarily at 15 to 22-year-old males, who spend much more time in front of the mirror than their fathers. Why?

As the presence of women increased in men's social and working lives - as their rights were belatedly recognised - men have changed the way they act. Straight men, some marketers believe, are changing because women demand their partners take greater effort with their appearance.

"The feminist movement has been the biggest contributor to the men's market since it has developed," says Jean-Marc Carriol, director of the fashion company Trimex, which represents Clarins in Australia.

As women have pushed for equal rights, Carriol says, "the success of that push has fundamentally altered the way men and women interact within the workplace. Appearance and grooming are really important."

The workplace itself has changed for many men, too. As the proportion of white-collar workers grows, so does the need to look good. To compete in today's work environment, you must dress well, have your hair cut neatly and take care of your body.

And as the world becomes increasingly globalised, Australian men are starting to see that men in other countries, particularly in Europe, proudly take care of themselves.

Even with beer, marketers are taking on a less macho tone when they communicate with men.

"We have certainly seen a change towards more segmentation (of the beer market)," says Lion Nathan's premium marketing director, Paul Foster. "There's still that 'hardcore' masculine image at the core end of the market, (but) there's also a lot more progressive market segments."

Men are also changing the way they buy homeware, cars and electrical goods, says Alan Treadgold, director of research and consulting at the advertising agency Leo Burnett.

"There's a lot of categories that are purchased by males, but using what we would conventionally regard as female cues," says Treadgold. "Traditionally, when purchasing home entertainment systems, we would expect guys to be motivated by gadgetry and technical features. But, increasingly, there's a certain type of male choosing it from what might be seen as female attributes, such as the environment of the store, level of service and other intangible things."

In car advertising, for example, much more emphasis is being placed on the people driving and the feelings they are experiencing rather than the car's specifications.

Global research by the advertising agency Euro RSCG last year showed that men were more secure in their masculinity, with those aged 40 and above displaying greater sensitivity, particularly through family values.

"The definition of what it means to be male is changing," says Euro RSCG's strategy planning director, Matt Donovan.

This story was found at: http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2003/03/...7144914842.html

[Use3D]

Stupid. One of those new buzzwords for idiots who need to be labeled and catagorized because their lives are so absolutely meaningless.

[BERIGAN]

I got a one.....3 is the high score so far, eh???

[Aggie87]

Clinton - I'm guessing you look more like this guy:

than this one?:

[Jazzmoose]

Hey, I admit it; I'm a slob. And I haven't seen the dress shoes in month, but I counted them. Every once in a while I get the urge to wear something other than tshirts, jeans, and a pair o' Vans, but a few minutes with a tie around my neck usually cures that...

[scottb]

OK, I'll do it. I think the initial reactions may be supressing a lot of honest answers so I'm going to post to encourage others to be bold.

I would never call myself a metrosexual and think it's a bit silly but there is nothing silly about a little hygene and caring how you look.

I SCORED A 6 !!!

(Actually I'm a little disappointed thought I was getting more. )

How the hell do you only get a 2?

Do you guys brush your teeth?

Are you married? Do you want to be?

Actually I probbly picked up a few points just over the past few month. (Like the hair products.) I admit QUEER EYE played a big role. I think the show is funny as hell. The underlying truth that got to me is that my wife deserves more just than some slob in jeans and tennis shoes. So it's worth the effort to take the time to be presentable. Also at work I'm constantly in contact with people and the image I present needs to inspire confidence.

[Jazzdog]

How the hell do you only get a 2? 

I got a three, and I think about 7 months ago (when I was single) I would have scored a zero

Do you guys brush your teeth? 

About twice a week. I am starting to get complaints, but I always blame it ont he coffee)

Are you married?  Do you want to be? 

No. I think so.

But that has nothing to do with being "Metrosexual".

[scottb]

QUOTE (scottb @ Sep 25 2003, 07:11 PM)

Are you married?  Do you want to be? 

No. I think so.

But that has nothing to do with being "Metrosexual

It has everything to do with it. It's one of the great mysteries of relationships. Women LOVE gay guys, they're more sensitive, well dressed, well groomed, can help them pick out shoes etc. The problem - they're GAY.

I've got news for you, straight guys are women's second choice!

A straight guy who dressed gay, groomed gay, entertained gay, treated a woman as if he were gay but wasn't guy would have more ladies knocking down his door than he would know what to do with. Just watch QUEER EYE and watch the girls reaction. They melt over these guys after the makeover.

[scottb]

I will also admit that about 6 years ago, before I was married, I was probably a zero or one myself.

[Jazzmoose]

Uh...yes, I'm married, and I scored a 2. I brush my teeth twice a day, minimum. I shower once a day, minimum. On the other hand, I don't spend two hours in front of the mirror every day making sure my hair is just right. (Well, to be honest, I should say "what hair I have left is just right"!) I figure that if your idea of finding a mate is to devote yourself to the physical and shallow side of life, you'll get a mate who is physical and shallow. Now the physical side is nice, but I don't care what she looks like now, eventually they're gonna drop, the wrinkles will come, and the hair will gray. If that's all she's got, you're in big trouble...

[Jazzmoose]

Substitute "droop" for "drop"; I'm tired of having edits!

[jazzbo]

Hey, I'm married, I scored myself with real honesty, and I don't look like a slob. I don't primp and pluck and shave other than my face though, and I put some spray on my hair to keep it in place because it is rebellious and rude at heart.

I've always been a polite and empathetic person and have many women friends and the best mate possible for me.

I present a good appearance, but reading Krishnamurti about a decade ago made me realize that worrying about one's appearance with real weight simply contributes to your living to others' expectations, which I wanted to free myself from. I check myself in the morning and when washing my hands in the restroom at work may look again and that does it for me.

[connoisseur series500]

Uh...yes, I'm married, and I scored a 2. I brush my teeth twice a day, minimum. I shower once a day, minimum. On the other hand, I don't spend two hours in front of the mirror every day making sure my hair is just right. (Well, to be honest, I should say "what hair I have left is just right"!) I figure that if your idea of finding a mate is to devote yourself to the physical and shallow side of life, you'll get a mate who is physical and shallow. Now the physical side is nice, but I don't care what she looks like now, eventually they're gonna drop, the wrinkles will come, and the hair will gray. If that's all she's got, you're in big trouble...

You scored a 2!? The comment from those of us like myself who couldn't even garner a single point is that you, Moose, are totally narcissistic and in love with the shallow physical side.

You vain, Moose, you!