ABSTRACT
The media have frequently played an important role in presenting new models of gender and sexuality, often attracting attention because of the androgynous, macho, queer, girly or highly sexual figures they offer their audiences. This chapter focuses in particular on one of these media-generated models of masculinity: the figure of the metrosexual, and his place in a succession of figures of masculinity and male sexuality. One of the key ways in which new models of gender and sexuality and their depictions in the media have been discussed is as part of a sexualisation of culture. The Plastic sexuality model disrupts the idea of a real sexual self that can be categorised. It is part of a broader preoccupation with people's individual experiences, desires and aspirations and an idea of the self for itself rather than for other people. Sex is a central theme in much visual culture and is increasingly entrenched within media forms.
