Firstly, sex and gender are two entirely different concepts. "Sex" refers to the reproductive organs/characteristics that you were born with: male vs. female. "Gender", by contrast, is constructed socially, not biologically: it refers to the roles, behavior s and attitudes that a group of people consider 'appropriate' for masculinity/femininity. And in many ways, these 'rules' are completely arbitrary.
In some cultures, such as Sweden, a man painting his toenails would be seen as completely normal. Sweden is known for being quite gender-neutral, so such a thing would be more socially acceptable there. The same would hold true for Taiwan, where it's common for some men to dress as women in cases where their aren't enough daughters in the family. This is a long-standing cultural tradition, and has served Taiwanese society well over the years.
By contrast, your profile says that you live in Texas, which is traditionally very conservative. The gender roles in Texas tend to be much more strictly defined, so something like this probably (and understandably!) seems very odd to you, because it isn't what you're used to.
The thing to remember is that just because you percieve something to be 'wrong', it doesn't mean that it is (or that the rest of the world sees it the same way). Gender roles are completely, 100% socially constructed, so they will inevitably be different depending on where in the world you are, and which specific group of people you associate with.
Of course, it's perfectly okay to have preferences! But if men want to paint their toenails, why not let them? It isn't hurting anyone, and you're free to ignore it if it irritates you. :) Ultimately, these people have grown up in an entirely different setting than you, but that doesn't make their attitudes and behavior s any less valid.
To answer your second question: yes, I'd be okay with having a boyfriend who painted his toenails. It wouldn't really attract me, but I definitely wouldn't be turned-off by it! Even though that kind of behavior isn't exactly common where I live (in Canada), I've been lucky enough to be exposed to a lot of different cultures and definitions of gender, both of which have helped to broaden my own. I would suggest doing some online research looking into gender roles, and how they vary across cultures. It'll probably seem weird at first, but you might be surprised by how normal it all starts to seem after a while. :)
Some men just prefer to paint their nails. Maybe they like it to express themselves, or just to decorate their nails. They can paint them in a masculine way as well, or in a feminine way if they choose. It's totally okay if you don't want to date men who do this, everyone has their preferences. Some people may actually prefer men who paint their nails, and I believe that anybody should be able to express themselves as they see fit, no matter the opinions of strangers.
I don't really understand it either. As a bit of fun/joke I don't mind, but a regular thing?
My ex wears eyeliner OCCASIONALLY for things like photoshoots, but it's never a regular thing.
I think it's weird when men go in for that sort of thing all the time, it looks quite strange in my eyes. If there's a reason behind it that's one thing, but I can't really think of any regular occasion where painted finger and toenails would be necessary for a man...
How about asking other questions here. Why is it that women can and do adopt male clothing and fashions? Why is it that women can and do body tattooing--something that used to be a male concept of body adornment? Why is it that it USED TO BE thought that men wearing earrings was not accepted--but now is?
The answer is simple. Times change and time changes perceptions. Things thought to be unacceptable in past years are now acceptable--and it took forward thinking men and women to begin the newer trends. So now men painting their nails is starting to be accepted by some, and in the future probably will be more so.
I'm a straight 59 year old man and have worn painted toenails for years now. Why? It's simple. First, I like the look. Second, my feet look a lot better with the toenails painted than they do not painted. As for what anyone else may think--if they like it, fine. If not, they're MY feet.
AAMOF, one guy wanted to start something over it, AND HIS WIFE PRACTICALLY BEAT HIM OVER THE HEAD WITH HER PURSE! She said that it looked OK to her--and she wouldn't mind him trying to look better than he did. (We both had sandals on.)
Victorian age with men wearing wiggs and stockings..go figure. Media doesn't help with the lesbo feminists who hate men and want them to become like them, only to chase after the men who are masculine.. *confused?*
Idk if it is' women', but I do know women who are bisexual who don't mind it.. I'd go so far to suggest it is apart of the concept of 'equality',and destroying any form of identity one could possibly have, so society won't be 'alienated', in turn, you end up with a bunch of freaks. Mostly of mixed backgrounds, I mean this in all regards as far as gender identity (confusion), cultural identity,racial identity,and anything else that may come to mind, national identity etc.
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I could say for fashion but I really don't get that either... or the mindset behind it.
Yeah, I agree with you, anything goes nowadays, it's wrong but not many people are doing anything to stop it.
I'm not okay with the behavior of a man painting his nails, I do not like it and I think it's way over stepping the line. I am definitely not attracted to this behavior and I will make sure I never will be!
I find it saddening that you're 53 and still don't know what makes someone a man. And I can tell you one thing: being bitchy abut how other people choose to live their lives isn't one of them. Now that is really crossing over the line.
And to answer your initial question: because they like it. It's a shocker, I know.
Before you die, I hope you realize people don't exist to live up to your standards.
Who cares? If they want to paint their toenails pretty colors let them.
I know a few guys that do.. not necessarily bright pink but a clear polish just to keep them looking neat/cleanedup. Why is this "disgusting" to you?
Why do you care what other guys do? It doesn't affect you in any way, so why don't you mind your own business and stop being a judgmental a**hole.
Also link <-- this guy paints his toenails and is 1000000 times manlier than you will ever be.
They should be able to dress and do as they want to, it doesn't bother me, why do girls get to have all of the fun when it comes to changing up our looks lol
It's really gay. I would never date a guy who did that
I don't mind if they paint them black or dark gray if they're into the goth scene. Other than that I'd be a little thrown off...
I think some of these ugly bitches are afraid that there might actually be men who can look better than them. And what really ticks them off is that fact that those guys are straight and still get laid. But really, who gives a shit what people do? If that's what they enjoy, then fuck off.
I was not aware that this was going on, on a significant scale.
So they can pretend a girl is spanking there monkey for them.
It seems okay for women to be masculine but not okay for men to be effeminate. Colors shouldn't define masculinity or sexuality. If women can do play by play for football on ESPN I don't see an issue if a guy wants to wear nail polish
I don't see the issue with it.
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