What is Justin Timberlake really saying when he sings "I'm bringin' sexy back"? Why is he bringing it back and how? Where did it go in the first place?-á
Sexiness left and went away from Midwest America, that's for sure.
In a land where Wrangler jeans and real John Deer hats - this excludes the ones bought at American Eagle - are still worn by a significant few, "sexiness" is surely in need of a resurgence.-á
What is going on when guys don't care what they look like and aren't trying to impress anyone?
Here's what's wrong: society teaches men to not be in tune with the "funness" of taking care of themselves and to associate the idea with things only feminine. When guys are brought up to think trying to look good makes them a chick, what can you expect?-á
These ideas and more are discussed by Ball State University Associate Professor of Sociology Dr. Carolyn Kapinus. "Sexy," she says, "means to evoke desire. Culturally we view women as sexual objects and are more comfortable describing them as 'sexy'. Women are supposed to evoke desire, and men are pursuers."-á
Pursuers, eh? The hunters, the strong ones, the "man's man." "Masculinity norms," Kapinus continues, "regard power and are more rigid. Men have more important things to do [than be sexy] and spend less time grooming." -á
So we have our answer: Masculinity means power, and men like power in America. Men, you can't have fun making yourself look good because you are powerful and don't have time. Only women have time to enjoy making themselves look good, because they are weak objects of desire, not powerful men who have important things to get done.-á
When put all that together in a complete thought, it sounds kind of archaic. But it is logical, right? -á
All of this would have gone unquestioned, but the gays luckily popped up in mainstream pop culture recently and began to change what it means to be a man in America.
Soon after, corporations followed suit. They created the advertising campaigns to match, and the "metrosexual" was born.
Whether it is through an episode of "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy" or a bottle of ProExtreme skin moisturizer in Wal-Mart, Pandora's box is being opened, and the truth about real men and sexiness is steadily coming out.-á
Sophomore Brandon Soldano definitely knows what real sexiness is. Tall, dark, and handsome with muscles, bling, and a killer smile, the guy knows what's up. He's personable, well-spoken, and knows what he wants. "[Guys have to] step up and start takin' care of themselves more. I try to look my best," he says, "be smooth in what I say, be clean cut . . . I don't wanna be a bum."-á
When Brandon gets up in the morning he starts off with a shower, brushes his teeth, and then fixes his hair. He uses some gel to get a messed up, bedhead look.
As far as clothes go, every day is something new. He has fun just going in and looking to see what's there. "Always gotta match," he says.
After he puts in his diamond studs, sports a silver chain necklace, and (usually) a watch he's ready for the day.
And what's best about Brandon is that he's 100% straight; "love the ladies," he says. Gay guys understand taste. Brandon is a straight guy who's picked up on the fact that good taste is not a "gay" thing, but a sexy thing all men can have.
Apparently Mr. Timberlake is not the only one "bringin' sexy back". -á
So where does masculinity and sexiness go from here for the boys at Ball State?
Here's where: forward.
Guys, take the extra time to make yourselves feel good by looking good. It's ok, and, moreover, it is fun. These social ideas from our Dads' generation about "men" are outdated. We know what it means to be men. We can be jocks, students, musicians, preps, administrators, frat boys, hippies, scholars, gays, straights, bisexuals - anything.
Bottom line is we're here to have fun and enjoy life and help each other out in the process.
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