This viral video promoting a new X-Box dancing game is nicely done and very funny. But I think it also illustrates quite dramatically, if probably unintentionally, what metrosexuality can mean.
Although of course it’s played for giggles, the story of the male Kylie obsessive having his legs waxed and painstakingly assembling his own camp Kylie outfit, gold lame hot pants included, copying and practising her daft dance moves in his living room – and finally managing to take her place on stage – is in some ways about as serious cultural observation as you can get. In a post-metro world men are increasingly doing and wearing and using and expressing – and shaking – things which before were restricted to women. And of course, ‘gays’.
The ‘stalkers’ sexuality isn’t stated, though making him look a bit average-joe (albeit with very appealing eyes), giving him a Scottish accent (which to English ears sounds butch) and face fuzz is perhaps to discourage the viewer from assuming that he’s gay. He could be, but he could also be bi or straight. It’s immaterial – just as sexual orientation is immaterial for metrosexuality.
Anyone can be Kylie now.
And thank God the ad didn’t go down the manly strap-on route of a lot of advertising recently, and try to frantically butch up something that isn’t very butch, and start talking about ‘mandancing’ or some such shite. Though perhaps the reason this viral doesn’t do that is because it is disco dancing, after all.
Sometimes though metrosexuality isn’t just about enjoying some of the sensuality and fun that was until recently ‘only for girls’. Sometimes it can be about actually taking the place of girls. And locking them in the dressing room while you prance around in their place (see also nice Mr Cameron and Clegg, who are so metro, by politician standards, they don’t appear to need many actual women in their Coalition cabinet).
But then again, post-feminism, we think nothing of women taking the place of men.
Hats off to Kylie for being such a good sport in taking part in this video – which, even if you don’t accept what I’m saying about metrosexuality, is clearly based on the idea that anyone can ‘do’ Kylie.
And what’s more, they’ll ask you back for an encore.
Tip: Andre Murracas
‘I know you’re feelin’ me because you like it like this’
It seems to be a song about anal sex – but Kylie pegging her boyfriend.
The video is all about the ass. The bit where she’s sitting on the illuminated bar counter looks like she’s photocopying hers.
Cute scruffy lad, hilarious video. Why did he wax his legs but not his hairy chest? Too gay?
About being a nerdy shy bookish type and parading round on stage… I sang one season with a gay men’s chorus. Most of our performances were informal with small audiences at churches and garden parties. I was too busy concentrating on singing to notice the crowds. Our season finale was in a real theater for a Pride Week variety show. We sang and danced to One from A Chorus Line. I was very nervous before we went on stage. It was much easier than I expected. Again, too busy concentrating on performing. Also it helped a lot that with the bright stage lights and dim house lights I could barely see the audience. At the end they brought up the house lights and we took a few bows. By then I was so happy I’d made it all the way through without screwing up, I didn’t mind standing there in front of a big clapping cheering audience. Now that I’m a middle-aged semi-recluse, it’s hard to believe I ever did that and enjoyed it.
Kyle Minogue still has a career?
Amazing what one popular disco dance tune can do for you. . .
Then your shyness must be a very formidable, if retiring, force. I’m pretty sure three pints of Stella would be all that would be needed to get me into Kylie mode. Perhaps I’ll have to get you some poppers.
Ha! I bet you could. After six pints of Stella. And if I told you it would annoy the feminists.
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