The Metro-Sexual Male

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that roughness and ruggedness, once the trademarks of masculinity, are being replaced by the image of the metro-sexual male whose masculinity is a function of appearance and style. The author points out that this new masculinity is believed to be caused by (1) the shift created by the women's movement, which brought men and women on equal footing, (2) simple economics with men needing to be well-groomed to be more competitive in a tightening job market and (3) the proliferation of media and the changing face of consumerism. The paper discusses in detail the ascent of soccer (football) star David Beckham, who came into public consciousness precisely when the world was changing its perception of heroes and idols, thus extending his fame far beyond sports to become the ultimate personification of the metro-sexual male.

Table of Contents:
Introduction
Rise of the New Males
Celebrities as Icons of Masculinity
Sports Stars as Models of Masculinity
David Beckham: The True Metro-Sexual
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"Part of the ideals of the metrosexual is an element of confusion on the subject of sexuality. This is evident in the print ads that celebrate this new male image, which combines many of the traditional traits of femininity and masculinity that makes man a study in contradictions. An example is the Versace ad that appeared in the November 2004 issue of GQ, depicting three men. Two of the men are leaning toward the camera, while the third man is sitting and leaning on the man ... However, their looks and position hint some homosexuality in the proportion, despite which they seem very comfortable with each other."

Sample of Sources Used:

• M. Kaufman, 'Men, Feminism and Men's Contradictory Experiences of Power,'In Crafting Cultural Rhetoric: Readings for University Writers, A. Lidinsky, et al. (eds), Pearson Common College, 2004.
• B. King, 'Stardom and Symbolic Degeneracy: Television and theTransformation of Stars as Public Symbols,' Semiotica 1-2, 1992.
• R. Levant & G. Kopecky, 'Masculinity Reconstructed: Changing the Rules ofManhood,' New York: Dutton, 2004.
• P. McDonald, 'Re-conceptualizing Stardom,' In Richard Dryer's Stars, 2nd ed., London, 1998.
• T. Abbott, 'Beckham: An Icon of Our Time,' University of Warwick.

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