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Metros, Retros, Machos, OH MY!. Metros, Retros, Machos, OH MY!. The significant challenge of trying to classify men as marketing segments. Societal Change. Blurring the notions of Gender Identity. Big Switch. Because men have been a marketing afterthought for more than a century.
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Metros, Retros, Machos, OH MY! The significant challenge of trying to classify men as marketing segments.
Societal Change Blurring the notions of Gender Identity
Big Switch Because men have been a marketing afterthought for more than a century.
It’s confusing trying to sell stuff to men.Partly because so many guys are confused.
Metros, Retros, Machos, OH MY! The significant challenge of trying to classify men as marketing segments.
Metrosexuals What is a metrosexual? How did metrosexuals evolve? Why are metrosexuals a marketers’ and advertisers’ dream?
What is a Metrosexual? Defined as: • Straight • Sensitive • Well-educated • Urban dweller • In touch with his feminine side • Trendy • Keen sense of grooming and fashion
What do metrosexuals do? Brad Pitt is considered a metrosexual • The new metrosexual man: • Takes pride in his body.
What do they do like women? • Metrosexuals shave like women.
What do they do like women? • Metrosexuals take care of their faces like women.
Like women, metrosexuals . . . • Use cleansers and moisturizers
A straight man who enjoys pampering himself with things such as: Manicures, Pedicures, Facials, Massages.
Who are also metrosexuals? Beyond Brad Pitt the press identifies Leonardo and Spiderman as metrosexual
How do they spend their time? • He may have a standing appointment for a weekly manicure. • He probably has his hair cared for by a stylist instead of a barber • David Beckham is also seen as a metrosexual
Metrosexuals also like . . . • To shop • Wear jewelry • According to ESPN, Dennis Rodman is a metrosexual
One of the telltale signs of metrosexuals is their willingness to indulge themselves. . . Whether for a Prada suit or spending a couple of hours at a spa to get a massage and facial.
Why is Cruise viewed a metro? • “He’s in his 40s, but uses • All the technology of beauty and fashion to remain a: • Desirable, • Smooth-skinned, • Buffed boy, • With a tart grin.” (Mark Simpson 2/12/04)
“There is no ‘mystery’ about his sexual preference -- His stunningly successful film career is a testament to his passionate love affair with . . . TOM”
Who coined the term Metrosexual? • Mark Simpson • A British writer who introduced it in July 2002 to Salon readers • He wrote about metrosexuality clear back in 1994, however. • So how does he define metrosexual?
Simpson’s Definition • Young man • With money to spend • Living in or within easy reach of a metropolitan area • Because that’s where all the best shops, clubs, gyms and hairdressers are • University Cal. State Fullerton professor sees Ian Thorpe as a metrosexual
They might devote an afternoon to choosing their ultra-fashionable attire for the night. They may don an apron and prepare a mean and meatless pasta dish for friends.
In Simpson’s view, he may be • Gay, • Straight, • Or Bisexual. • Pleasure is his sexual preference
“From a marketing perspective it makes perfect sense to maintain officially that metrosexuals are straight . . . After all advertising is trying to persuade as many men as possible to buy into consumerism.”
“But sexuality is utterly immaterial because he has clearly taken HIMSELFas his own LOVEOBJECT.”
Particular professions attract them • Simpson says these include: • Modeling • Media • Pop music • Sports • But they’re pretty much everywhere • Simpson see Arnold Schwarzenegger as an early metrosexual
“They do have heroes, but usually aesthetic ones. Men who are famous for their looks and style, rather than say, their political or military achievements. They do admire sports heroes, but generally only the ones with the best media profile and product-endorsement deals.” (Simpson)
In the Sports World . . . These athletes are viewed as metrosexuals by ESPN.
According to ESPN, these athletes will never be metrosexuals.
But most likely Retros • Backlash • Retrosexuals • Have little fashion sense beyond matching their T-shirt. • Return to the “manly”, traditional GUY’S GUY. • Antonym of Metrosexual. Men who are not metro.
Never going to be metro, Macho?: John Daly and Edgerrin James
How did metrosexuals evolve? • Born out of a “hyper-consumer age • Post-industrial age • Identity and personality are not inherent • Replaced by lifestyle choices, consumption patterns, brands, and social circles.
Metrosexuality is a mainstream mass-consumer phenomenon involving the complete commoditization of the male body.