Addiction - Sumpo - Fashion

MALAKAS IS NOW MAGANDA TOO

Stereotyping in fashion is gone, at least in the sense that it is now socially acceptable for men to be fashion-conscious. There is even a term for such men: metrosexual.

Before, the only men who put on makeup were the gays or performance actors. But today heterosexual males wearing makeup is considered ordinary. Students, professionals, and even macho sports icons use makeup everywhere and every time.

A Japanese website posts an ad about make-overs for men. Other products and services in the website are about spas, jewelry, and beauty salons for men. The existence of these websites, these products and services show that men are now less shy about using cosmetics, curling or straightening their hair, plucking their eyebrows, and smoothing their complexions with facials.

Aside from facial care and cosmetics, dressing up by men is changing. Filipino males are traditionally conservative in their choice of clothes. The Filipino male’s ideal outfit used to be something that was clean and neat, never trendy, never something that will make them stand out. But walking through the Ateneo de Zamboanga University campus on a Friday, the day students do not have to wear their uniform, you will see just how much the typical Ateneo male student have changed in their attitudes to dressing up. Many wear such trendy items as colored pants, very skinny pants, multi-colored shirts, cardigans and jackets. They also now accessorize with large and multiple necklaces and large and multiple bracelets. Definitely, the look is more stylish than conservative.

The time when only women were allowed to beauty conscious, of becoming “shopaholics” and fashion addicts is gone.

Ronald (not his real name) is a fashion addict. He said that primary influence of his addiction to fashion was his mother. He grew up with his mother constantly telling him to look good and presentable. Ronald frequently shops for new clothes and accessories, go to spas for facials, and visit the salon for his hair.

“Today men and women are equal. Women usually are said to be fashionable. But now a lot of men are also fashionable. I myself am very inclined to fashion. I usually shop for good clothes which are the newest trend, even if my closet has overflowed due to my excessive purchase of my desired items” he added.

He also said that another reason for his being an addict to fashion is because he wants to be recognized and respected by his friends and especially by other girls. He said that many of his friends are “de alto sociedad” who do not tolerate inappropriate self-presentation. He continued, “Being fashionista is about style and looks. If you look ugly then you are not a fashionista, and you’ll be rejected by your friends or by the person you like.”

A new study conducted by scientists at the University of Buffalo and the University of Kent in the United States revealed that it is fear of rejection that makes people self-conscious about their looks.

The researches said that the results "suggest that physically attractive people are less stigmatized by others in this society, and have significant advantages in many areas of life than those who are viewed as physically unattractive."

The research further noted that people who put a great pressure on themselves to look attractive putting themselves at the risk of for experiencing negative outcomes that may limit their development and enjoyment of life in many ways.

Kevin Tampol’s style is punk and Goth. For him fashion builds character. “Everyone has to know that when people see the image that you portray, they will consider your personality (based) on the way you look.” As an example, he said that if you dress up like a gangster then people would treat you as a gangster.

For Tampol, pressure from peers is a great factor in the increase of fashion consciousness among young Filipino males. “When you dress inappropriately people might not entertain you. So for me it is really important for me to have a fashion sense, though I really love to look as Goths and punks but still you can’t wear them during Christmas party or birthday party.”

Ronald added that “some people won’t allow you to be with them if you don’t act like them. So being fashionista is really necessary. It can boost your self esteem.”

Some men are fashion-conscious because they wanted to be recognized. Some tend to look appropriately because they don’t want to be rejected. The mentality of recognition and fear of rejection have brought these changes to the image ‘of Malakas.

The icon of Filipino masculinity is Malakas and of Filipino femininity, Maganda. Malakas means fearless and strong and Maganda means beautiful. If Malakas acts like Maganda, should he also be called beautiful?

And if Malakas fears something, such as rejection, should he still be called Malakas?