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Men wearing make-up
±èÀ±Èñ | ½ÂÀÎ2009.04.07 22:32
   
Culture - L.L.F reporter Yoon-Hee Kim
Men wearing make-up
In the past men's make up was not usual. Even today, men wearing make-up is still not a common concept. Throughout history though, there have been some men who have worn make-up. Currently metrosexuality is vogue, with men adopting new 'trendy' ideals of appearance maintenance. But now it is common to find ordinary men on the street wearing make-up. These are ‘meterosexual’ men Stereotypically in Korea, men are supposed to be the patriarch of the family, exuding masculinity. Wearing make-up is seen to be feminine, and so, if a man wears make-up or uses beauty products he would be seen to be less of a man. In Korea men should never wear color make-up on their faces nor use skin lotion.
Often the typical Korean man, sees metro-sexuality as a product of parenting, blaming the parents of forcing this 'weakness' on their children.
These stereotypes are slowly being broken down as can be seen in the issue of cross-dressing. In earlier days, cross-dressing was a hot issue. Cross-dressing refers to people wearing clothing typical of the opposite sex. That is, a man wearing 'typical' women's clothing like dresses and vice versa. People debated this hot topic. Akin with cross-dressing being a controversial issue so too is metrosexuality. . Yet, even though it is argued that metrosexualitydoes not 'fit' the Korean 'ideal' of man, we can find that throughout our history, men and make-up have never been far apart. What is Korean man's make-up history? In Korea's history we can trace men wearing make-up back to the nobility of the Joseon Dynasty. They used a rice powder called BunSeSu. The nobility would combine the Bunsesuwith water and wash their faces with the mix, finally allowing their faces to dry in the sun. This practice produced benefits such as whitening, moistursing and removal of skin impurities. Despite this being a form of make-up, the goal was not directly beauty. It was instead, to show a difference of status: common people had dark skin while nobility were pale-faced. In the traditional Korean fairytale, 'ChoonHyang Jun', the hero Mong-Ryong wears make-up.
As opposed to Korea's historical purposes for men wearing make-up, the Greek historical purpose was beauty. In that era they used hair-oil for soft hair and spices for body aroma.
Nowdays, metro-sexuality is spreading throughout the world. In Korea, no longer is wearing make-up a display of social position but rather showing an individual's taste and character. Still, people have many differing opinions concerning this issue.
The opposition's main positions include the following ideas: 'men wearing make-up is not yet a common practice' and 'make-up is not masculine. Supporting the idea of men wearing make-up, is the affirmation that despite it not being a common practice, it is vital to respect other people's individuality.
Despite whether you support or oppose the idea of men wearing make-up, it is an issue in our society. Cosmetic companies realize this as can be seen in the proliferation of various male targeted beauty products.
Some people assume that metrosexuals are gay because these men display stereotypically gay behaviors. Entertainers wear make- up, yet they are not labeled to the extent that metrosexual men sometimes are.
What do you think about the metrosexual man ?
Interview with Hyoug-Seop Kim (Family welfare, 08)
Nowdays men want to have good skin, so they use skin-lotion and are concerned about which is the best for their skin. Indeed I see an increased male awareness of and interest in beauty culture. Frankly, I think that man's make-up is not a common idea, but make-up or beauty culture are individual interests. I think people's values are different from each other, and accordingly, people should respect them.
In my opinion, man's make-up is not a strange concept.
Interview with Jae-Hyun Kim (Military man, 23 years)
In fact, when I look around at my friends, at least, 20% of them use cream on their face when they have an important meeting or are going to meet their girlfriend. I think that make-up's purpose is not just beauty but also covering a person's complexion too. Some men have skin trouble, so are often embarrassed by their appearance. By choosing to wear make-up they are then able to cover these impurities and be more confident. To be honest, I oppose the idea of men wearing color make-up. However, make-up does have its positives such as: added confidence and portraying a good image. Wearing make-up is an individual's choice, so I think people should respect metro-sexual men.
Interview with Jung-Hee Park (Department of Industrial Welfare, 05)
In my opinion, wearing make-up is a way of expressing oneself and breaking down gender stereotypes. This issue in Korea is similar in concept to that of women smoking the rules differ between men and women. Lately, many men get earrings and dress in their desired style. I think that when something is limited by gender politics, it is discrimination.
Recently, it is becoming common for middle-aged people to receive cosmetic surgery to halt their aging appearance. Through this process men can have a good image and get confidence too. When I see a man who is wearing color make-up on their face, I feel a little uncomfortable but I understand and accept it.
Interview with Nan-Joo Kim (Social Welfare, 08)
I oppose men wearing make-up. Man's make-up is not yet a common practice or concept. I believe that men should be 'manly' men. I even object to my boyfriend wearing make-up! Wearing make-up is an outlet of self-expression, but I feel that these men are wearing it to follow rather than be individual.

±èÀ±Èñ  rlaaa@daegu.ac.kr
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