Lifestyle Choices
“The eyes might be the window to the soul, but clothing and accessories are the doors leading to just about everywhere else” ~ Lorenzo
According to the journalist Mark Simpson, the metrosexual is dead. Long live the ‘spornosexual’. Is he right?
Personally, I disagree. Athough there’s a growing number of men doing all it takes to be rewarded with ripped bodies, there are many others who are still very much more focused on clothing, accessories, the occasional keep-fit sessions, grooming and less of extreme body workouts.
Being the author of both terms does give Mark Simpson the license to define them as he deems fit. However his take on the metrosexual suggests a rather narcisstic personality, self-loving, “the single young man with a high disposable income, living or working in the city {because that’s where all the best shops are}”, seems to me to be erroneous given that not every man who is conscious of their outward appearance and grooming have high disposable income, live or work only in the cities and somewhat narcissistic.
There is an increasingly generalized influence on men by a feminized culture which educates men that masculinity has suddenly become toxic and therefore being more feminized is the New Man! This doctrine cuts across every economic and social background and has an impact on the perception of most men on how society views them. There are others who are simply expressing themselves as they know how, irrespective of how much they have at their disposal.
Mark further argues that the death of the metro man has unleashed the ‘spornosexual’, a blend of sport, porn and metrosexual.
The spornosexual is seen as the man concerned with his personal appearance such as grooming and fashion, but also keen to emphasize a fit, virile and toned body. He is the man who works out daily at the gym, building those oiled six packs ready for a selfie!
In many respects I do agree with Simpson on the rise of the spornosexual, however I believe the metro man is alive and well. I am one!
Some have also argued in the past, and perhaps many still do today, that men who take absolute pleasure in grooming and physical appearance exhibit a ‘gayness’ or ‘girly’ nature. This may be right for some. But for many, it is the new age hetero-man being conscious of self, wanting to be everything and be that which he is. There are also gays who are proud of themselves and are equally as confident expressing themselves without limitations. It is all about self-discovery and boldness to be as you choose, by way of your physical appearance.
The explosion of male grooming products and advertisements showing body perfection, has also created an awakening in today’s males, that they can present themselves as best as they want without guilt.
Although society does put pressure on men to engage with their more feminine qualities, to be more effeminate, it should not in any way, condemn men who, though have been feminized somewhat, are still able to express manly tendencies. Masculinity should not be confined only to aggression and patriarchy, but rather it is the quality that defines manhood.
I remember some years ago walking into a shop and picking up a bottle of the Original Old Spice Aftershave. Why? I needed to be reminded of that distinctive classic masculine smell, the smell of the man’s man.
Acknowledging one’s softer side such as outward show of emotion, being more caring and accommodating, less brutish and more nurturing, amongst others, should not strip one of one’s masculinity.
Recognising these feminine personalities in oneself and yet exuding strong manly qualities, especially in one’s bold and confident physical appearance, only confirms a man who has successfully struck a balance between the classic and the modern.
Today’s metro man is indeed like Old Spice. He exudes masculinity and is distinctive. He has been around and knows the game. He is self-aware and meets the challenges of being a man in today’s world.
The Metrosexual is very much alive and awake. He is the quintessential gentleman, bold enough to make a statement that he has arrived, yet subtle enough to not wreck the party.
He exhibits a manly confidence and a posturing which suggests he is aware of his time and will do the needful to achieve his goals.
Either you are a metrosexual, spornosexual or non-metro, what’s really important is self-identification. Be who you really want to be. Break the chain and feel release. Feel confident to represent yourself and no one else!
Be distinctive!!! Have your own style and rock it with confidence!!
#Updated. First Published on 9th January, 2017
LORHUES 