LOUISVILLE, Ky. (BP)–For those people who have become bored with the numerous terms used to identify human sexuality (heterosexual, homosexual, bisexual, transsexual, etc.), a new term is making headway in some arenas. Enter the metrosexual.
In a recent article posted on msn.com (“Metrosexuals: It’s a Guy Thing!” July 28, 2003), author Richard Trubo noted the emergence of “metrosexuality” among American men. According to a recent report by the marketing communications firm Euro RSCG Worldwide, an increasing number of men age 21 to 48 could be identified as metrosexual.
According to marketing experts, a metrosexual is a heterosexual male who is in touch with his feminine side. He is sensitive, urban and educated. He likes to indulge in expensive haircuts, pedicures and manicures. The metrosexual like to buy expensive clothes, spend time at the spa, and maybe even have the occasional cosmetic surgery to improve his appearance and attract the opposite sex. Topping the list of famous metrosexuals are actors Brad Pitt, George Clooney and Johnny Depp, British soccer star David Beckham, and former President Bill Clinton.
Trubo noted that the growth of metrosexuality could be seen in the popularity of the television program “Queer Eye for the Straight Guy,” in which heterosexual men allow homosexuals to give them a “makeover.” With the help of these “wise” homosexuals, any blue-collar roughneck can be transformed into a trendy, well-groomed metrosexual. And the metrosexual always gets the girl.
Undoubtedly, many men do not pay enough attention to proper hygiene. And many men need to be more sensitive. That said, metrosexuality is troubling on a number of levels. At its heart, metrosexuality is nothing but narcissism.
Americans are a vain people. We are far too fascinated with appearances. We spend exorbitant amounts of money on clothes and grooming supplies. We want to dress for success and hope that our sharp appearance will “seal the deal.” We are a shallow people.
Metrosexuality is simply old-fashioned self-conceit. Instead of men simply being transfixed by jobs, sports and stocks, they also are becoming increasingly obsessed with fashion and grooming.
But narcissism is not the biggest danger of metrosexuality. Humanity has been self-centered since the fall of man in the Garden of Eden and will remain so until Christ returns. We will still be quite vain and self-absorbed long after metrosexuality has fallen out of favor. The real danger is the incipient androgyny of metrosexuality.
Metrosexuality is simply the latest attempt to blur sexual distinctions in America. Traditional family roles are passé. Radical feminists wish to be more like men. And metrosexuals wish to be more like women.
Peter Jones of Westminster Theological Seminary in California wrote an article in the September 2000 issue of the Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society, titled “Androgyny: The Pagan Sexual Ideal,” in which he notes that one of the major tenets of the modern neopagan movement is androgyny between the sexes. He observes that throughout history, pagan religions have consistently upheld the androgynous priest or shaman as the embodiment of pagan spirituality. In paganism, all distinctions, including sexuality, disappear as humanity enjoys union with the divinity.
Many Americans are enamored with neopaganism and “Earth religions.” Certain elements of neopaganism have influenced groups such as the feminist movement, the homosexual agenda, environmentalism and liberal Protestantism. Like so many other contemporary trends, metrosexuality is ultimately an attempt to further paganize American culture. Men are emasculated, and told it is a good thing, because they are able to attract more women and relate better to homosexual men. Narcissistic metrosexuality leads not only to androgyny, but also to good old-fashioned hedonism.
Men should be attentive to their appearances. They should be in touch with their feelings. They also should recognize metrosexuality for what it really is: narcissism, emasculation and the quest for an androgynous society.
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Finn is a student at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Ky.
