Oh random, thou art I

[fufaraw]

I have discovered a new-to-me attractive body part: the muscle-rounded back of a guy's thigh in worn jeans. Not the ass, glorious though it may be, but the strain and flex of fabric shaded by wear against large working muscle. What an amazingly hot rear view. nnngh.

I support each individual's right to discover and experience his, her, or their own gender, differentiated from sexuality; what I'm struggling with is pronouns. Years of practice using the correct singular pronoun instead of the sloppy 'their' or 'they' to refer to an individual is now up in smoke and I'm wrestling with it, a bit. Designation and acceptance of gender as defined by the individual is not a problem for me. You look like a girl but tell me you're a guy, great--male designation pronouns it is. You reject gender entirely in favor of none, we need a pronoun for you, one that doesn't remove your humanity while it indicates your gender neutrality, and I'll be happy and proud for you to use it consistently.

I admit, there's a lingering, wistful, "How come they get to choose every day while the rest of us are stuck in one gender?" with genderfluid people. But for pronouns, "their" actually reflects the lack of singularity, so though it rubs up against my aspie imperative for iron-walled classification, it makes sense.

***

Note to Hollywood "males": Shave.

Scruff was adorable and alluring when it was random, when it arose from angst, or separation from modern standards of hygiene, marooned on a desert island, or busy trying to escape from perilous situations. I also understand that from the point of view of your image, it shadows the incipient double chin, or the beginnings of middle-aged jowls, and enhances your cheekbones, that it signals an abundance of testosterone and suggests an equal level of sexual prowess and stamina. I get that scruff is the standard for male beauty in the film and tv industry right now. But gentlemen, scruff is like a heady, strong spice--more potent when used sparely and with discretion.

Scruff used to be edgy, it made audiences notice--scruff indicated some emotional turmoil: poor lamb's too upset to take care of himself, let me make him soup. Handsome devil's too busy rescuing the falling airliner, let me hold his coat, etc. You get the picture. But scruff has grown so ubiquitous that it's now commonplace. It has become ordinary. And frankly, the sea of scruff on my teevee and in movies? Looks like everyone's been at the trough and needs a nice shower, shampoo, and shave. I'm tired of all my handsome men looking dirty. If I *want* you dirty, trust me, I don't need any assistance getting you that way.

Comments

[arabia764.livejournal.com]

I do like a nice thigh.

An a upper arm - not too muscley but firm, with a rounded shoulder. Nice.

:-)

I'm with you on the scruff. Too much and it's just plain grubby looking.