A quick translation made by myself from the national news wire.
'Men are becoming more womanly'
September 12th 2006
AMSTERDAM - The Dutch man differs way less from the Dutch woman when it revolves around typical feminine affairs. Men are spending each month more on clothing than women. On top of that he's spending each month more on cosmetics. As well the so-called 'feminine insecurity' increased.
This according to a nation wide research that the magazine "Men's Health" and polling agency Trendbox performed amongst 780 men and women between 18 and 50 years. Both conclude that men have become more conscious of their appearance [isn't this a contradiction in terms somehow? - Diebert]. He gives himself a higher grade than five years ago in the same research: a 7.3. In 2001 it was 7.2
At least 75% of the males thinks his looks are important, but to make a good appearance he pays quite a bit. Each month he spends 106 euro on clothing. This is an increase of 50% compared to 2001. The females only spent 69 euro in the same period. The same goes for care products. The men spent 27 euro a month, the women 23 euro.
Also in behavior the male becomes more feminine. Like 54% feel themselves more secure after he spends time on his appearance. Five year ago that was only 33%. A larger group gives attention to looks and 61% of the men thinks he shows who he is by his clothing. In 2001 only 45% thought that way.
The males are more concerned about his looks in company and at parties or for sexual performance in general, the researchers conclude. To battle this insecurity he fiddles with his body. He attends the gym way more often than in 2001. That percentage increased from 8% to 23%. . Also he shaves not only his face anymore, but also the nose (58%), privates (41%), the armpits and the ears (30%).
Editor-in-chief from Men's Health Jan Peter Jansen says that the Dutch man has become more aware of himself in quite a short time. The phenomenon of 'metrosexuality' has been a major influence. Jansen:" And added to that is now the übersexual element. The metro-man was narcissistic and fed by insecurity that he forced upon himself. The empathic in males has returned, in spite of his high level of self-care. But that has become standard by now.
Empathic? Where did that conclusion come from. Feeling pity over his own appearance? Perhaps this whole research stinks even while the trend is easy to believe somehow - the feminine rulez.


