Question on masculinity and male beauty standards

FriedRiceNSpice said:

Masculinity and male beauty is percieved differently among the various cultures of the world, just like female beauty standards. After taking part in the Ms. Universe thread, this topic came to my mind. What do you guys find to be the main differences in the ideals and standards of masculinity and male beauty amongst Western Civilization (or Europeans and Americans, if the two groups have different values and standards) and Far Eastern Civilization?

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Uh...where I was raised, (Texas and western United States), women are more or less beautiful, and men are more or less handsome. I never have heard of a man being called "beautiful", at least not by a man that I, in my culture, would consider masculine.

As to what makes a man "handsome", I have never given it much thought or cared. Somewhat muscular, trim and clean cut I suppose...but I let the ladies worry about "handsome". I'm just glad my wife of 30 years found (and finds) me handsome. Since then, and excepting for where her thoughts are concerned, I haven't given it much of a second thought.

and men are more or less handsome. I never have heard of a man being called "beautiful", at least not by a man that I, in my culture, would consider masculine.

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Thats the problem with men in the Far East these days... they run around with make-up, hair products, skin-care products, tight jeans, queer looking outfits and hang out in coffee shops and juice bars. Real men eat beef, do work, and stay as far away from hygiene products as they could.

Friedrice, how much oil have you been putting in your rice?

Not everyone in Asia wears "girly" clothes..........
Smoking is still pretty big in Asia though.
Working out in gyms isn't big in Asia, as there is money to be made. Hair products. Fashion just isn't big in Asia for men in general I think.

Apparently you guys missed my attempt to ironically give an example of what is considered "masculine" in here. In our culture its often said that mens "dont kiss nor talk". We finns are somewhat stiff and uncoftable of disccusing anything even similar to this topic, or any other as well. Mens in all parts of the world are more restricted when it comes to talk about emotions but we finns have hard time to express devotion in words even to those we love most. For example its unhearded that a father would tell his son that he loves him or brother to another. Even to express it to your wife or girlfriend can be difficoult. Talking culture is also othervice somewhat narrow compared to other europeans. We eg. don't have other word for "small talks" than paskanjauhanta which basicly means talking BS...

But IMO mens aren't beatifull, nor hadsome and we don't have to be. Beaty is for girls and womens...