Food For Thought- Is Modesty Truly Unattractive?

 These pictures illustrate a common occurrence in American fashion and fashion worldwide. To the right we have the world renowned British music group The Beatles and below we have American actor Taylor Lautner. Upon initially seeing these images we might not see how the trend in fashion is being repeated but with further investigation and comparison of the images, it is apparent the iconic group had an impact on fashion. The outfits the members of the group are wearing are modest in comparison to those worn by men in other decades and eras. According to the article, "Why Modest Men Get the Brush Off From Women," both women and men find modesty unattractive but with actor Taylor Lautner posing for GQ Australia in a 60's themed photo shoot it is hard to believe such a premise. Just the theme of the photo shoot should speak to Americans and dispute the idea of modesty as unpopular. Yes it is true some women actually do prefer more modest men and some women also prefer cockier men, as pointed out in the article, but is it true that overall women lack attraction when it comes to men in a more modest setting. With the reviews on Lautner's photo shoot, I would beg to differ on the "modest men are unattractive" argument with a majority of women.

Why Modest Men Get the Brush Off From Women: Pathos

As defined by Merriam-Webster, Pathos is defined as "a quality that causes people to feel sympathy and sadness." The article, "Why Women Get the Brush Off From Women,"highlights the many results of a lack in linking of modest men, all of which negatively impact emotional perceptions. Now, let me ask you a question, how would you feel if you were pre-judged all because you chose to present yourself well? The idea of being brushed off by someone or something you are interested in can be heart-wrenching, at least to me. In the article we are introduced to the occurrences of women preferring cockier men, causing men of a more modest stature to be overlooked and even ignored. Women seeing modest men as "too weak" then pushes those men interested away and damages lines of communication between the genders. Such feelings have dramatically influenced American culture. Men have also been known to find male modesty unattractive, citing that "bashful boys are letting the side down," a common sentiment. The entire idea of opposition to modesty in both sexes causes rise for emotions in both men and women. Pathos is both explicit and subliminal throughout the article because the notion of rejection based on wholeness and modesty is disappointing. The ideas in the article allow readers to assume each role presented by Dobson and Macrae and then go on to act accordingly based off of such assumptions. With the roles of women shifting from more dependent to independent, men have had to adjust their roles as well, but have faced much criticism.

Ethos: Why modest men get thte brush-off women

In his article "Why modest men get the brush-off women", Roger Dobson claims that men's modesty is considered unattractive in our contemporary culture. At first, he uses logos to appeal to his audience through listing hindering characteristics many suffer from, such as shyness and modesty, and claims they are the reasons many men are single today. To support his claims, he provides empirical evidence to prove his credibility. He cites a study from the The Psychology of Men and Masculinity journal that proved his theory about meekness and modest to be too unpleasant and insecure for women. in addition, he cites Professor Lauri Rudman who validates his theory by stating her findings about men encountering prejudice is perceived as modest. The two separate sources provide the reader a sense of legitimacy towards Dobson and his assertions.

Sameh Boulos.

Visual Elements and Style: Why Modest Men Get the Brush Off From Women

In the article, "Why Modest Men Get the Brush Off From Women," authors Roger Dobson and Fiona Macrae directly call out men for modesty of character restating research concluding women do not actually like modesty in men. Images are shown of actor Hugh Grant (left), famous for his performance playing the timid character Charles in Four Weddings and a Funeral, and Simon Cowell (right) the former unceasingly direct American Idol Judge (Note: the pictures provided in this post are the same pictures used in the article referenced). In the article below the side-by-side portraits, the authors attempt to explain the picture stating that "Research shows that women prefer cocky types like Simon Cowell rather than Hugh Grants bumbling on-screen behavior." In his picture, Grant looks like he is in dire need of some much needed sleep. His hair is messy and facial expression is sickly. Add that with the muffled collar, and the famous actor looks like a complete weakling. Simon Cowell on the other hand is presented as a masculine European sort. His picture reveals some chest hair and signs of a double chin. There are signs of recent shaving activity as well. Hair is neatly gelled. The most important feature is Simon's smile. The authors correctly link modesty  in dress to modesty in character. However, they go too far in displaying a flattering picture of a brash man and an unflattering picture of a timid and shy one. Just as stated in a previous blog, then, it would make sense that women would still give men a hard time about modesty in the article if women are always given these corresponding visuals to follow and associate with.

Visual Elements and Style: Men's Fashion of the 1960's

In the article "Men's Fashion of the 1960's" trends are noted as having emerged as "effeminate" and "sporty". Along with the article are pictures of typical catalog advertisement for the newly popular styles. The images show attractive, confident men smiling while wearing their stylish clothing. The advertisements appeal to the new styles by showcasing some new features available such as the "slim-taper body" fit. One image even shows a man as happy and confident with a woman.

The images visually appeal to the desired audience by placing the impression upon viewers that wearing the styles of the 60's will bring happiness. In the image of the family with matching coats, it appears as though the family members are having a great time together and are enjoying their new look. The advertisement uses the concept of an active family life, and the image shows how the coat fits into a fashionable lifestyle. 

The advertisement below demonstrates the visual image of a trendy man with a "sharp" look. The man in the image is posed in a confident stature with a slightly seductive smirk that leaves the imagination to suggest the mystery behind the man in cool clothes.

The article "Men's Fashion of the 60's" uses phrases such as "quite noticeable" and "groovy" to fit typical lingo of the 1960's. This writing style assists in embellishing the stylistic fashion choices of the 60's. While the targeted audience of the article is modern persons of America, the language chosen helps enlighten readers and allow them to make connections with a past time.

Logos : Why Modest Men Get the Brush Off From Women

Authors Roger Dobson and Fiona Macrae directly call out men for modesty of character through logos. The entire article is held together by research concluding women do not actually like modesty in men. Due to readers' natural doubts surrounding the prior statement the authors describe the research procedures in more detail throughout the rest of their literary work. In the experiment, subjects were shown videotapes of a man and a women applying for a job as a computer lab manager.   The actors and actress both followed the same script and humble about their achievements. Subjects were then asked to rate the men and women on modesty, likability, and other factors. Although both man and woman were equally qualified for the position, the man was less liked than the woman. Dobson and Macrae also add the insights of the journal Psychology of Men & Masculinity which states that humility makes men seem less confident about themselves. Rutgers University of New Jersey Professor Laurie Rudman is also cited saying "findings demonstrate that men encounter prejudice when they behave modestly." The authors successfully state the conclusion that women prefer men who are not modest with support from three different sources one being actual research in their article. As stated in a previous post on this blog, the 1960s brought change in modesty in appearance and character. Men's clothes became more modest and so did their character. This new movement broke away from the centuries old perceptions that quiet and shy males were not attractive as opposed to loud and proud men. Therefore, after about 40 years American culture is still trying to understand this broader meaning of positive male qualities. Then, it would make sense that women would still give men a hard time about modesty in the article.

Logos: 1960s Fashion for Men and Boys

The author, Paul Phillips, of the article "1960s Fashion for Men and Boys" attempts to convince his audience that men's fashion has changed towards a feminine direction since 1964. Many believe that men's clothing lacks variability with the notion that the possible choices are on between shirts and pants. However, Phillips ventures to disprove them using pictures of advertisements used in the 1960s to market men's clothing. In his article, he points out the differences using reliable proof to persuade his readers that men's fashion changed and leans toward a feminine direction. He lists more than 30 pictures at the end of his article to authenticate his belief and indirectly gives credibility to himself and his reputation.

Phillips begins his article with his main argument being that men's fashion did change drastically in the 1960s. He then lists an example, supported by a picture at the bottom, regarding the style of the pants being tighter at the waist and more flared near the ankles. Phillips then exposes the root of the change being London, especially the Beatles, as they were the new trendsetters. He then furthers his assertions of the fashion being more feminine by unmasking the style of silk scarfs and "feminine pants", also supported by a pictures. Finally, the author closes with the comment of men's fashion becoming more feminine (stylish) and women's fashion becoming more masculine (modest).

Similarly, this blog used links and pictures to provide background credibility to its argument regarding the change in fashion. We chose this system because the web allows for quick evaluations and sources to be checked.

-Sameh Boulos

Pathos: Men's Fashion of the 1960's

In the midst of the 1960’s a shift in men’s fashion began to appear. With the rise of tighter garments and longer hairstyles, men molded to the characteristics desired by women. As the Beatles led the fashion forefront, a new set of values and beliefs arose. This unique set of pathos targeted an audience that sought to expand the new “sporty” image. The images of tighter male garments appealed to women of the era.

Catalogs for men’s clothing in the 60’s focused on capturing the imaginative sympathies of both men and women. Men and women alike saw the new fashion as a way to ignite their young passion, comparable to that of the “Beatlemania” craze.

Men’s clothing transformed into more effeminate garments, but also into more luxurious garments. Advertisements for hand brushed shoes and fabrics such as silk appealed to a feeling of luxury and comfort.

The pathos of men’s clothing advertisements of the 60’s play into the emotions associated with the feeling of being “in style”. The concept behind the new fashion and advertisements that accompany the new trends was the idea of being “cool” and “chic”. Pictures of garments were placed in catalogs to be sold to consumers who made purchases based on the trends. The catalog makers used the images of their clothing to appeal to the consumers desire to achieve popularity. Furthermore, the styles of clothing highlighted the value placed on spirit, rebellion, and individuality.

Arguably these new styles were appealing imaginatively because ordinary men could see themselves as stars like the Beatles.

Major Rhetorical Argument for 1960s Fashion for Men and Boys

A common misconception in our communities has been that men's clothes are identical-looking so therefore their fashion never changed. The article points that argument to be valid, but only to a certain extent. If one is attentive enough, men styles in men's fashion have drastically changed over the years. The Author, Paul Phillips, draws attention to men's pants who have always had the relaxed loose fit style that changed in 1964 to be sport-like and tighter around the waist. Many other modifications, such as the peacoat, point to men's fashion becoming more "effeminate". Phillips claims that all the restyles we have seen all root to the fashion of the Beatles, or anything from London. The evolution is unseen in our eyes however, seeing a man wearing a silk scarf in the 1960s was extremely feminine.

As stated previously, the stereotype of the unvarying mens fashion may point to the the lack of care toward looks. It is then arguable that the 1960s not only feminized mens fashion but changed men in their essence to be more concerned of their outward appearance. A possible sexism remark is available concerning superficiality and feminine roles, however that is left for the reader to discern. On the other hand, the blog hopes for the connections between this article and the "why modest men get the brush-off women" to be noticed for men's desire for success  rather than men's feminine appearance. The second article argues that men tend to be more "noticed" if arrogant or egotistic however, I am trying to note that men may approach this attention seeking using their outward show rather than a frowned upon attitude.

-Sameh Boulos

Why Modest Men Get the Brush Off From Women: Kairos and Rhetorical Situation

    In the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, the first definition listed under the term "modesty" is "the quality of not being too proud or confident about yourself or your abilities." This definition is particularly interesting because in popular culture modesty is normally thought of in relation to attire not character. However, as the dictionary proves, modesty is just more than appearance. 

    Character values have always varied from East to West depending on the culture and time in history, but one statement is certain: there are certain character traits that never disappear such as modesty. Even though modesty in character has changed and evolved over the years, the concept has never quite disappeared. In the 1960s, modesty took on a new meaning. At the same time that concepts of modesty in fashion were beginning to change, more and more young people were linking hands with those of the opposite race in the struggle to live Dr. Martin Luther King's dream. They were getting off their comfortable upholstered sofas in the suburbs to help their fellow poor man in the city through service. One cannot help but notice the link between modesty in fashion and character here. Although, America's children were protesting in a very public way, they were still fighting for ideas of solidarity with others. These young people needed the idea of modesty to realize the existing faults in their country and to try to fix those faults through social and political change. The 1960s was the time the act with all the upcoming movements. This kairos was only able to bear fruit with the additional concept of modesty in character. 

Why Modest Men Get the Brush Off From Women: Stasis Theory and Major Rhetorical Argument

       The issue of modesty amongst the sexes is one that will stand the tests of time, simply because the argument is valid during any time period. We see the issue as something irrelevant to our lives, that is, until we are older and start to seriously date. The issue of a lack in modesty stems from our forefathers and their fathers as well. For centuries women have worn more clothing than men as a way to diminish their sexuality, leave more to the imagination and to conform because of customs. As time has progressed we have started to see a decrease in fabric in women’s clothing and an increase in men’s fabric based on trends. In the 1960’s we begin to notice somewhat of a rebellion amongst the sexes regarding clothes and trends. Those trends and fads of the 1960’s have played a major role in style today and more specifically, gender roles.

         I’m sure we have all had a conversation with our girlfriends about how we want our dream guy to have manners and be so respectful that he just woos us off of our feet and we live happily ever after. The issue with this idea is that it is actually not truly what we want from guys. Research has shown that women prefer cocky and sometimes even more affront counterparts. In the article we learn that women see men who are more modest as feminine and weak, therefore deeming modest men unattractive compared to those who lack modesty and are more callous in their mannerisms. It is apparent that there exists a disconnection between what women say they want but what women report they truly want out of male counterpart. Even though the study is only done in regards to the workplace characteristics employers prefer; the study correlates to daily life and relationships. According to the article, males who reported as modest also reported as single. If the topic of modesty plays such a role that it keeps people apart, controls employment opportunities and threatens self expression, then it is not worth the fight. Everyone is entitled to self expression and until people are freely expressing themselves modesty will continue to slight the sexes.

        In combating the issue of modesty amongst the sexes we have to look at what matters in the long run. Modesty correlates to attraction and if modesty is so influential on the minds of people, we should simply allow people to continue to gravitate towards whatever it is that attracts them; eventually someone will find a modest man attractive. Essentially both women and men control who they date and employers control whom they employ, so in the future we will continue to see differing opinions on the topic of modesty but we will also see the conferring between both sexes on the issue of modesty.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-1284519/Why-modest-men-brush-women.html

The Importance of Fashion of the 1960's: Kairos and Rhetorical Situation

Fashion can be described as a medium for emotion that runs parallel through all generations. Fashion from the 1960's however, emerged with styles quite different than any that had been seen before. Suddenly pants were tighter, garments were "sporty", and the relaxed look began to fade. In this era, the famous boy band "The Beatles" led the way with fashion. The 60's for men meant a more effeminate style. The 60's was all about new ideas, new movements, and change. As we view the fashion images and icons of the 60's we see the passion, rebellion, and spirit of the people at the forefront of changing America at the time. Within the 1960's fashion helped movements of people self identify with one another. People with long hair joined together as part of the "Hippie Movement" while others used a new-found lack of modesty and the revolutionary birth control pill to enter the "Sexual Revolution". The major feeling, if you will, during the 60's was that the time to act was now. This theory based in Kairos led to many revolutions and forward movements. When groups of people joined together unanimously, change was made. Throughout the 1960's timing played a huge role in the Civil Rights Movement and the Feminist Movement. Fashion played a key role in uniting people and allowing them to express themselves like never before.