Daniel,

I wasn't a fan of Queer Eye, I wear thongs and do other blokey things but i do admit, there is a patch of my goatee which always looks a bit thin and I touch it up with a bit of the old mascara.
This used to annoy my wife (because she was running out quicker) so now I buy a $5 thickener from Avon. it lasts me a month. I'm yet to wear blush though

t.u.s.

Perhaps one day we'll have groups of blokes tootling off to the beauty parlour together, to get their waxing and nails done and complain about how much sex their girlfriends demand of them. Oh, the irony of it all. Just like women, I'm sure that men will work out soon enough that it's all a bit of a waste of time and money and it's what's on the inside that matters. Although - a shower and some cologne does help.

And a dash of lipstick for those special occasions of course ...

This gay male finds "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy" nothing more than yuppie consumerism and a continuation of the tired old cliche of gays playing clowns on television - in the service of straights. And for the record, my choice of clothing is blundstones tastefully matched with a black t-shirt and blue jeans. Undies are usually Bonds (but you didn't need to know that, did you?). And I drink schooners of VB not flutes of Bollie.

Interestingly, my choice of clothing is the same as many lesbians. This is because it is practical and comfortable. Unlike wearing melting mascara and high-heeled shoes. That's the sort of clothing that should be left to performance artists.

I must say, though, I find this angst regarding the role of men in modern society a rather tiresome discussion. Daniel talks about men wandering in vain for an identity. I say that men who have this problem should stop wallowing in victimhood and get out and do something useful and interesting with their lives. Maybe it won't match the epitome of masculinity as constructed by the media. But then, why would anyone want to construct their manhood along the lines of phoney images? Or to put it another way, stealing cars and burning down Macquarie Fields may make you feel masculine but wouldn't it be better to find an interest that is not glamourised by the media but is productive, useful and makes you feel better in the long run?

bit o history repeating perhaps, afterall men used to wear make-up back in england and france once upon a time, ok granted it was a hygiene thing as well coz they didn't always wash everyday. but very much looks bit of repeating happening.

Daniel, lots of good points.

Most of us still have a bit to learn about dress sense. I'm quite partial to something to hold the hair in place and some aftershave and deoderant. Quite happy for my hairdresser to trim the eyebrows so I don't get the "Prime Minister" look and run the clippers along the ears etc. Eyeshadow and lippy are a different matter.

I suspect that over time fashion may change enough that the wearing of makeup by men is no more uncommon than the wearing of earrings by men (I have not got inspired to try that myself).

I'm quite happy not to have too much pressure to have to follow the latest trends and fashion myself, not enough money for both good fashion and new power tools and other things where I need to have the latest.

There are a lot of us who tend to think Pru is a bit fond of making comments based on stereotypes of men/fathers rather than on the realities of real life and the diversity in the modern male.

Some of us have always put a lot of effort into supporting our families, being seriously involved in our childrens lives etc.