Masculinities The Metrosexual And Media

Published Date: 02 Nov 2017

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Sources

Pommper, Donnalyn. "Masculinities, the Metrosexual, and Media Images: Across Dimensions of Age and Ethnicity." Sex Roles 63.9-10 (2010): 682-686.

A gift to advertisers, the metrosexual image-conscious man spends considerable resources on appearance and lifestyle (Simpson 2002).

Aldrich(2004) calls the metrosexual a heterosexual who "is nevertheless in touch with his feminine side" (p. 1733), but others consider him gay or bisexual (Coad 2008).

When participants mentioned metrosexual, they were asked to define it. Inevitably, participants invoked what they consider feminine behaviors—or those popularly ascribed to non-heterosexualities. Such included: straightening, coloring and styling hair; facials and cosmetic surgery; manicures and pedicures; visiting day spas; massages; dressing up; being clean shaven; plucking eyebrows; using lotions and wrinkle cream; and shaving chests and arms. Others described it as being: "a pretty boy," "image conscious," "fashion oriented," "carrying a manpurse," and "showing your feminine side."

Pommper mentions that Simpson would say that a metrosexual would allocate a lot of time, money and effort on physical aspects and a good way of living (684). Aldrich’s metrosexual is a heterosexual with a feminine side, but may be labeled homosexual or bisexual for Coad (qtd. in Pommper 3:7). When asking others to define a metrosexual, it was evident that feminine characteristics were used (Pommper 9:3).

Adams, Adi. "John Wears Pink Cleats: Inclusive Masculinity in the Soccer Field." Journal of Homosexuality 58. 5 (2011): 579-596.

http://www.academia.edu/1071154/_Josh_Wears_Pink_Cleats_Inclusive_Masculinity_on_the_Soccer_Field_2011_

Highlighting the displacement of older more orthodox masculinities and changing gender norms in western cultures, Simpson (1994) writes "what is being made over is masculinity itself." Simpson’s notion of a "make over"culture is exemplified through his concept of metrosexuality. Originally, the term referenced male narcissism: a heterosexual city executive who wore designer clothes. But this image has moved into sporting men as well. Clayton and Harris (2009) describe how, through the media, the "metro-sexual" man, "said to indulge in daily routines that might previously have been labeled effeminate, such as grooming and dressing for style" (p. 134),has become more acceptable in the culture of sport.

We also found that being aggressive on the football field did not equate to orthodox masculinity off the field. Thus, I highlight the importance of distinguishing between purported metrosexual athletes’ on-the-field behav-iors and their off-the-field behaviors and attitudes in assessing their forms of masculinity as representations of progressive social change. To clarify,the seemingly superficial fashion-focused metrosexual masculinity outlinedby Coad (2008) is not tantamount to what Anderson (2005) calls inclusivemasculinity, a liberal pro-feminist masculine form of greater attitudinal sub-stance that is constructed in opposition to hegemonic orthodox masculinity and, among other inclusive characteristics, is grounded in a rejection of patriarchy, sexism, homophobia, and femphobia. Of course, this is not to say that metrosexuals cannot be inclusive; rather it is to say that "metro" and "inclusive" are not the same interchangeable concept.The metrosexual label has frequently invoked discussions aboutmen’s contemporary gender and sexuality—often deconstructing essential-ist notions of both in the process. This has helped problematize orthodoxmasculinity and mobilize fresh inclusive perspectives on gender relationsand masculine and feminine identities (McNair, 2002). Indeed, as a markerof progressive social change, Berila and Choudhuri (2005) assert that theembodiment of gay masculinities (i.e., routines more traditionally associ-ated with femininity) by heterosexual, middle class men may suggest morepositive attitudes toward gay masculinities.

The concept of metrosexuality developed from a masculine culture that has been made over and has transformed the previously feminine practices to be an everyday routine for the metrosexual man (qtd. in Adams 3:3). The term metro and inclusive when related to masculinity is not the same (Adams 4:1). The metrosexual has become the reason for issues about sexuality and gender and also a different way of viewing relationships among males and females (qtd. in Adams 4:2).

Hall, Matthew, and Gough, Brendan. "Magazine and reader constructions of ‘metrosexuality’ and masculinity: a membership catergorization anaylsis." Journal of Gender Studies 20. 1 (2011): 67-86.

http://antropologi.fib.ugm.ac.id/wp-content/uploads/Matthew-Hall-and-Brendan-Gough-Magazine-and-Reader-Constructions-of-Metrosxeuality.pdf

Edwards (2003, p. 142) points out: A well-dressed, well-groomed and ‘stylish’ man still tends to arouse anxieties concerning sexuality and masculinity or the terrifying twosome of the homosexual and the effeminate. Stereotypically, ‘real’ men don’t care what they look like and just ‘throw things on’ whilst women go shopping and agonize over matters of self-presentation. The problematic issue underlying heterosexual men’s self-presentation is that it invites not only attention from women but also from other men – the homoerotic gaze (Cole 2000).

On the one hand the ‘metrosexual’ can be seen as challenging gender and sexuality by participating in historically feminised practices and/or invoking a homoerotic gaze, whilst on the other, the ‘metrosexual’ can be unhinged from gender and sexuality to become an asexual personal aesthetic (Coad 2008).

Two main themes of interest regarding the construction of ‘metrosexual’ masculinity. The first theme focuses on the fluid meaning of ‘metrosexuality’ with respect to a range of often feminized practices. The second theme concerns attempts to construct certitude by defining and clarifying the parameters that constitute membership of ‘metrosexuality’.

Brennan begins his article by directing readers’ attention to David Beckham ‘the poster boy for metrosexuality’ (1), thus providing readers with an internationally known icon as a reference point. This immediately implies ‘metrosexuality’ as a normative (although new) masculine category, since David Beckham can be considered successful in business, marriage, fatherhood and sport – all classic markers of masculine status (Donaldson 1993).

Brennan’s article provided an argument for ‘metrosexuality’ as a new and exciting heterosexual masculine identity, an argument enthusiastically endorsed by self-ascribing ‘metrosexual’ readers who nonetheless framed their identity in terms of classic masculine markers such aself-respect and heterosexual success.

More generally, the moves to masculinise ‘metrosexual’ activities highlight the enduring appeal of hegemonic masculine ideals and practices. While ‘metrosexuality’ can readily dispense with denigrated, unfashionable aspects of the traditional male repertoire (poor hygiene, disinterest in appearance, sagging physiques), it nonetheless draws on still powerful masculinised markers such as self-respect and heterosexual success.

A fashion-oriented man with proper grooming alarm for the issues of sexuality and masculinity with the involvement of femininity as well as homosexual characteristics because a stereotypical male have no care for physical appearance (qtd. in Hall and Gough 3:3). There are two main themes of interest or metrosexual masculinity where one focuses on metrosexuality in relation to feminine practices, while the other trying to attempt an open-minded way of classifying a metrosexual (Hall and Gough 7:3). David Beckham is "poster boy for metrosexuality"(Brennan 2007), but "all classic markers of masculine status, mainly business, marriage, fatherhood and sport" (Brennan 2007) (qtd. in Hall and Gough 8:1). A new "masculine identity" (Brennan 2007) has been offered by metrosexuality and the masculine markers (qtd. in Hall and Gough 16:2). According to Hall and Gough 17:1, "More generally, the moves to masculinise ‘metrosexual’ activities highlight the enduring appeal of hegemonic masculine ideals and practices. While ‘metrosexuality’ can readily dispense with denigrated, unfashionable aspects of the traditional male repertoire (poor hygiene, disinterest in appearance, sagging physiques), it nonetheless draws on still powerful masculinised markers such as self-respect and heterosexual success."

McCormack, Mark. "Changing Masculinities of Youth." Qualitative Sociology 33. 1 (Mar 2010): 111-115.

http://www.academia.edu/329345/Changing_Masculinities_In_Youth_Cultures

Coad argues that the changing discourse on masculinity in contemporary culture reflects a radical shift — a step towards gender equality. He situates metrosexuality as queer and as troubling for normative understandings of gender, while, at the same time, insisting that sexuality is irrelevant to the concept. He further contends that metrosexuality offers all men "roles" that the media has traditionally " ascribed exclusively to women: vanity, narcissism,exhibitionism, and passivity in front of the male gaze " (p. 34); irrespective of the socio-effect of these roles, he argues that they are part of a narrowing of the gender gap between men and women. He insists that limiting metrosexuality to heterosexual men excludes " the queer from metrosexuality" (p. 27), and goes on to argue that " reducing metrosexuality to straightness is not just ‘slightly silly’…it is also slightly homophobic "(p. 27).However, in my view, while Coad maintains that metrosexuality has the potential to revise orthodox gender norms, his arguments delineating the "correct " use of the term are not compelling. For example, given that metrosexuality is aimed at and embraced by straight men, his contention that actual sexuality is an irrelevant component of the phenomenon seems arbitrary, particularly given current usage in both media and scholarly writing. Furthermore, Coad constructs his argument by critiquing the use of metrosexuality in specific media texts that employ essentialist notions of gender in their discussions of metrosexuality. They frequently conflate male femininity with homosexuality, and esteem a heterosexualized, macho version of masculinity. Yet this critique has been leveled at media discourses concerning gender more generally (Gill2007), and Coad does not demonstrate that essentialist stereotypes are germane to metrosexuality specifically.

For the equality of sexes, Coad has written about metrosexuals as being heterosexuals without sexuality in question, but can be considered homophobic (qtd. in McCormack 2:2 . A few "roles" (Coad 2008) that used to be for women only are no longer seen as such for the distance between the genders have slimmed (qtd. in McCormack 2:2). There is a belief that metrosexual can change gender stereotyping in society if more males are open to accept it, but with that may bring sexuality into question for there is femininity as well as regard for a different kind of masculine (McCormack 2:3).

Chai, Stella, and Wen, Nainan. "College Men’s Third-Person Perceptions about Idealized Body Image and Consequent Behavior." Sex Roles 63. 7-8 (Oct 2010): 542-555.

According to Chau and Wen (2010), "In the context of media’s idealized body images, college men are as capable as college women of realizing the socially undesirable outcomes of being affected by the images."

The results (see Table 3) showed that subjects’ perception of media effects on themselves was significantly and positively associated with subjects’ body dissatisfaction andintention to go on a diet, go to the gym regularly, and have cosmetic surgery (Chai and Wen 549). we found that college men’s perceptions of media effects on the self were positively associated with their body dissatisfaction

Ricciardelli, Rosemary, Clow, Kimberley, and White, Philip. "Investigating Hegemonic Masculinity: Portrayals of Masculinity in Men’s Lifestyle Magazines." Sex Roles 63. 1-2 (July 2010): 64-78.

Rooted in gay liberation movement, metrosexuality places less focus on previously dominant manifestations of masculinity, instead emphasizes self-presentation, appearance and grooming (Segal 1993).

There is a possibility that "masculine hegemony " would be perceived to be characterized (Ricciardelli, Clow, and White 64) and have the power to adjust to times and maintain its meaning (qtd. in Ricciardelli, Clow and White 65). This is threatens the way "masculinity" (Carrigan, Connell) is viewed (qtd. in Ricciardelli, Clow and White 65). Segal mentions that metrosexuality indicates significant amount of focus on how a man presents himself physically (qtd. in Ricciardelli, Clow and White 65).

Hegemonic masculinity signifies culturally normative and influential ideals of masculinity (Connell 1987; Davis 2002; Pringle 2005). As such, masculine hegemony can be viewed as a role, status set, perspective, behavior or personal characteristic. Hegemonic masculinity actually becomes more powerful because of its ability to adapt and to resist change (Connell 2005) . Thus, it challenges traditional notions of masculinity while providing alternative venues for men to express themselves (Carrigan et al.1985; Connell 1993).

Lertwannawit, Aurathai, and Gulid, Nak. "Metrosexual Identification: Gender Identity And Beauty-Related Behaviors." The International Business & Economics Research Journal 9. 11 (2010): 85-91.

The metrosexual is consistently configured as a heterosexual metropolitan man who spends time and effort on his appearance. The metrosexual may well represent a more attractive, or compatible version of masculinity for some women, in that metrosexuals are better groomed and dressed than most other men and have a penchant for so-called ''feminine" interests and activities, such as shopping, cooking and the arts. The metrosexual may represent a new "feminized" masculinity; however, it maintains an essential distinction between the biological sexes.

A metrosexual is often defined as "heterosexual metropolitan man who spend time and effort on his appearance" (Aurathai and Gulid 9.11:85) and may attract the opposite sex because of their self-presentation presenting a more "feminized masculinity" (Aurathai and Guild 9.11: 85).

Tuncay, Linda. "Conceptualizations of Masculinity among a ‘New’ Breed of Male Consumers." Gender and Consumer Behavior 8 (2006): 16.

http://www.acrwebsite.org/volumes/gmcb_v08/CP%20paper%2026%20Linda%20Tuncay.pdf

Men often described "being in good shape," having "style," and being "well groomed" as all-important characteristics of masculinity. What is more interesting, however, is their motivations for such concerns. The importance of an attractive appearance was tied in part to attracting the opposite sex and assisting in the attainment of success in the workplace.

Family and love was seen as a positive part of a metrosexual’s gender identity in this study.

Men gave importance to physical appearance such as having a nice body, a unique style as well as proper grooming which characterize being masculine because these connect to attracting the opposite sex and attaining praise when employed (Tuncay 6:5). A metrosexual are seen positively for having family and love (Tuncay 7:3).

Berila, B., & Choudhuri, D. (2005). Metrosexuality the middle class way: Exploring race, class and gender in Queer Eye for the Straight Guy. Genders OnLine Journal , 42. Retrieved from http://www.genders.org

Clayton, B., & Harris, J. (2009). Sport and metrosexual identity: Sports media and emergent sexualities. In J. Harris & A. Parker (Eds.),Sport and social identities (pp. 132–149). Basingstoke, UK: Palgrave Macmillan.Coad, D. (2008).

Simpson, M. (2002, July 22). Meet the metrosexual: He’s well dressed, narcissistic and obsessed with butts. But don’t call him gay. Salon, Retrieved from http://archive.salon.com/ent/feature/2002/07/22/metrosexual/

Schooler, D., & Ward, L. M. (2006). Average Joes: Men’s relationships with media, real bodies, and sexuality. Psychology of Men& Masculinity, 7, 27–41.

Aldrich, R. (2004). Homosexuality and the city: An historical overview. Urban Studies, 41, 1719–1737.

Brennan, J., 2007. Are you a metrosexual? Askmen.com [online]. Available from: http://uk.askmen.com/daily/austin_100/102_fashion_style.html [Accessed 15 January 2009].

Lee, R. E. (2003). Macho man has bitten the dust Retrieved 4 September, 2006, from http://www.amorouspropensities.com/archives/gender_studies/rise_of_the_metrosexual.php.