You must read metrosexual-term-coiner Mark Simpson’s analysis of this D&G Time ad:
Contrary to what you may have heard, metrosexuality is not about ‘feminized’ males – or even about straight men ‘acting gay’. To talk in such terms is merely to reveal yourself as a hopeless nostalgic. As the ‘father’ of metrosexuality, I can tell you that metrosexuality isn’t about men becoming women, or becoming gay – it’s about men becoming everything. To themselves. In much the same way that women have been for some time.
As we approach the Teenies (what else should we call what comes after the Noughties?) this process, with a flush of hormones, has been speeded up. D&G Time is neither homo, hetero, bi – or even metro. It’s simply same-sexuality. Clonosexual. In D&G Time, all genitalia are the same shape: fashion-shaped. In place of the Oedipal military-industrial complex of the 20 Century we have… the all-consuming Narcissus Complex of the 21st.
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December 29, 2008 at 5:48 pm
Cara
*scratches head*
Is this sarcasm and I’m just missing it?
December 29, 2008 at 6:27 pm
Pop Feminist
No– dead serious, but written in an emotional half-sane fury. I’ve decided to remove my commentary to further refine my grievances and repost something longer and manifetso-y.
I suspect we’ll disagree, but I’m eager to know what you think when it’s up.
December 29, 2008 at 9:53 pm
Cara
Okay. Will wait until then to comment further
January 18, 2009 at 12:26 pm
Rebecca R
I came across a book which may be of interest to you/us:
Men to Boys: The Making of Modern Immaturity, by Gary Cross
Description:
With declining marriage statistics, Cross (The Cute and the Cool) explains that these American boy-men reject the traditional notions of mature masculinity, while opting for vanity and narcissism with a new motto: manhood is play and it never ends. He cites the example of Hugh Hefner’s popular concept of childish male wish fulfillment, an empire built on sexually available women, carnal fantasies and eternal playtime. Feminism, extended adolescence and an aggressive media culture promoting conflicting signals about maleness and fatherhood only add to this immaturity trend. Not only does Cross outline the dilemma, but he cites a cure: We must recognize that as adults, and equally as men, we have responsibilities to our partners, families, and communities beyond our own need for experience and pleasure. In this perceptive, eloquent book, Cross concludes that growing-up has never been more difficult in this complicated time.
January 18, 2009 at 1:10 pm
Pop Feminist
Wow! I’m reading that asap!