Added: 10/30/2005 |
Appearance As A Social CriteriaSexuality has become equated with physical attractiveness and that is interwoven with personal appearance.Men have been targeted by the media and those who are heterosexual have been encouraged to wear clothes that epitomize that which appears rough and strong, such as jeans and t-shirts, while gay men were assumed to be more cognizant of fashion, color and more desirous of changing appearance to fit stereotypical fashion mold. Such a mindset makes a direct link between trendy fashion and sexuality.
While these days those men who are interested in pricy haircuts, designer suits and skin care products are considered to be in touch with their feminine sides it bears noting that males' preoccupation with mode of dress and body care is nothing new. Take for example men of the 15th, 16th, 17th and 18th centuries. They wore make-up, wigs and have very definite and flamboyant ideas of proper dress. Appearance has always played a crucial role in society criteria and over time changing appearance has caused changes in that social criteria.
Once again men are feeling confident enough with themselves as males to go changing appearance, and as such being declared metrosexual.
The term metrosexual was coined in 1994 by English Journalist Mark Simpson. A metrosexual is described as being a modern urban male with a strong aesthetic sense who spends a great deal of time and money on his appearance and lifestyle. Another way of putting it would be a man who seems stereotypically gay except when it comes to sexual orientation. And while the term deals with aspects of appearance it has become linked with sexuality.
People link physical appearance with perceived aspects of psychological characteristics. Therefore its incorrectly assumed by some that these men who pay heed to their appearance and continue in changing appearance to suit themselves regardless of how feminine that change may be perceived as are homosexuals.
Social criteria revolving around appearance and sexuality seems to have come up with a scale of determining a man's level of heterosexuality. A "manly man" is the most heterosexual with the metrosexual male lower on the scale followed by the homosexual. The concept that a firmly heterosexual male could be interested in using self-care products, have manicures, well-styled hair and be interested in dressing well and fashionably is a hard pill to swallow for some.
In spite of the perception by some that a male who is interested in grooming products and dressing nicely is somehow less of a man, in urban areas there's a movement by sophisticated women who are attracted to men with a bit more polish who are "in touch with their feminine side". Changing appearance shows a man confident in who he is, who may make a more relaxed companion since he's being himself and not trying to live up to something he's not.
Pleasing both sexes can go far in facilitating enjoyment in the dating and sexual interaction scene. Appearance is everything; it can show certain features of a person's personality that may attract a prospective date.
Being someone who cares enough to take care of oneself as well as comfortable with ones sexuality to follow the appearance route most pleasing denotes a healthy mental state. Always a positive attribute to bring to any relationship.
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