The metrosexual male is more than likely a media invention to sell products. This type of scam has been occurring in women’s media for many years, and now attempting to be replicated for men. From the book “Spin Sister” by Myrna Blyth :- “Makeup artists use what they want during a photo shoot, and the editors, long after the picture has been taken, write the credits to please the advertisers”

In effect, the cosmetic industry and the fashion industry have become part of a giant media industry that sells gimmick, fad, and myth to thousands of women. It is more insidious in that it purposely tries to make women feel incomplete, insecure, anxious and “stressful”.

It is ironic that the latest women’s magazine released in Australia called “Madison”, has a recent article titled “Are You Addicted to Stress”
http://www.isubscribe.com.au/title_info.cfm?prodID=13197

This media system is also more insidious in that much of it will attempt to portray “men” as being the cause of all this “stress”. See also 'Spin Sisters' Reveals Phony Feminist Hype of Media Princesses” http://www.newsmax.com/archives/articles/2004/4/1/124917.shtml

In regards to the inquiry into parenting arrangements:- the Sex Discrimination Commissioner made the following comments:- "It's easy to say, 'You wanted the children, you're the mother, you breastfed them, you know what you're doing.' You can't do that with your parents. She's not going to wipe your father's bottom." http://www.theage.com.au/news/National/Plea-for-debate-on-parenting/2005/02/09/1107890274207.html?oneclick=true

These comments were not only highly crude from a person in a government position, but were an insult to fathers, and also to the elderly. The comments were also not referenced to any reliable research.

A review of the speaches by the Sex Discrimination Commissioner, has shown few positive comments ever made about the male gender, but a considerable amount of unreferenced negative comments. From this it appears that the Sex Discrimination Commissioner is a tax-payer funded male-basher.

A review of the statistics used by the Sex Discrimination Commissioner often shows these statistics to be very suspect also, and it is more than likely that any submission from the HREOC to the enquiry will be based on male-bashing as the basic principle.

Those "men?" who contemplate using, or are using make-up are just precious little pink petals eh! Not satisfied with ripping women off with their horrible unhealthy gunk called make-up, now they have "men?" in their sights.Well if these "males?" are stupid enough to fall for it - UGH! Regards, numbat

I find that good grooming attracts more women than any slovenly appearance. BO and a pot belly do not a sex god make. And soft hands are very much appreciated - my thanks to Nivea.

While I appreciate any writing that pulls the construct of masculinity into the spotlight, this reeks of essentialism.

Quote: "Men and women are different. And those differences need to continue to be defined."

Hmm. Alarms ringing! I disagree that we need to continue to define our socially-imposed differences, and focus instead on our similarities, after all, we're all human

It's the consumerism, stupid.

Timkins, you are probably right that the 'metrosexual' is a media construct with a view to flog more stuff to men. However, what point R U trying to make with your comments that the media is trying to push the view that men are the cause of all female stress? What has this got to do with male grooming? You also talk about male bashing, seems females get bashed about alot too. And your references to parenting? What do you mean? Have you confused which forum you're in? Clearly both sexes are manipulated by the advertising media. Not sure I get U, mate.