Every Little Thing #5

The metrosexual male: looking good. and proud of it
All Woman writer
Monday, May 08, 2006

All Woman writer Michael A Edwards analyses a new type of modern man, one who gets a kick out of being fashionable
and well-groomed. It takes a certain level of confidence to go to the salon, especially in Jamaica, where 'real men'
don't get mani-pedis and facials or spend a day at a spa being pampered

This is the metrosexual era. As coined in 1994, by English journalist Mark Simpson, the metrosexual is defined as
'a dandyish narcissist in love with not only himself, but his urban lifestyle - a straight man in touch with his
feminine side.'

Thus, detailed personal care practices, from tweezing one's eyebrows to the use of special facial cleansers and
regular manicure-pedicure sessions, even the extensive use of lotion - all thought to be the preserve of the fairer
sex - are now part of the routine for many men. In particular, urban-based, upwardly mobile males are taking greater
care of their appearance.
Rubber Plantation owner Bill Morris (left) gets the full works, while truck company owner Leroy McCalla regrets he can
only come in once a month because at 51 he feels likes 26 after a day in the salon.

Of course, throughout the ages, there have been men noted for their fastidious devotion to proper grooming and personal care,
but the general reaction from their 'non-metro' colleagues and even from some womenfolk was derision. The obvious epithets
were levelled at them. They were 'soft', they were 'gay' and all the rest.

Today personal care for men is now the in thing. Hair, face and nail treatments are a habit for avowedly heterosexual men.
Along with personal care and grooming comes an affinity for social activities like the theatre, music not overwhelmed by a
'riddim' (though metrosexuals also appreciate dancehall and hip-hop and other modern forms).

Oscar nominee Terrence Howard was quoted as saying, "I'm glad we now live in an age where men taking care of themselves is
seen as a good thing." Naturally, critical and commercial success has given Howard access to the A-list among hairdressers
and personal groomers, but one can infer from his remarks that this was a development some time in the making. Others, like
Real Madrid footballer and married father-of-three David Beckham, have sported sarongs, diamond earrings and nail polish.