Metrosexuals – To the One Who Started it All

You’ve seen them, those guys who aren’t afraid to admit that they need some pampering, too.  They care about their clothes, their grooming, the latest techniques in manicures for men.  Well, I want to talk about a pioneer of this trend, a fellow who I feel has often been forgotten, but is actually a front runner of the metrosexual movement.  Yes, I’m talking about the ultimate metrosexual… Grover. 

Long, long before men weren’t afraid to openly discuss their back waxes while they sipped frappiccinos at the local café, there was Grover.  Grover, who typically referred to himself as “furry and astonishingly cute”.  The blue monster who went on safari and was the first to point out he was sporting an “adorably cute safari outfit”.  Grover, who proudly danced and sang in monster musical reviews, such as the infamous production of Fuzzy and Blue.  He always kept his fur impeccably groomed, often counseling others to do the same.  He even wore hats.  Grover was never afraid to be anything other than Grover and if that included some dressing trends other people found effeminate so be it!  He was never ashamed.   

And throughout the decades Grover always kept up with what was in vogue. Whether he was working as a waiter or sporting his favorite superhero cape (another bold move, I might add) he would wax eloquent with anyone he encountered, displaying his impressive vocabulary and knowledge of a variety of subjects.  A true renaissance monster.  And no one can doubt his influence among the metrosexuals today; a generation raised on Sesame Street, growing up with a finer appreciation for grooming, style, and flair.  (And let me tell you, some of us chicks really appreciate that.)

So here’s a toast to Grover: You brave fuzzy monster, you.  Paving the way, an inspiration, and ya didn’t even know it. Our hats off to you!        - wg

The lovely Kara was kind enough to invite me to join the Mother’s Day bloggect.  I’ll be posting a tribute soon (I’m still working on it).  Thanks also to Dutch and Winnie for their recent links.  I love the Internet!

Comments

[Fuzz]

I never thought of Grover in that light. But now that you mention it. You are absolutely right. He is certainly neater than my favorite Sesame Street puppet. I have always been partial to the very unmetrosexual Cookie Monster. But more on that in the morning.

[Chag]

Ha! I needed that laugh.

[Motherhood Uncensored]

Hahaha. Good one weirdgirl. I love it. Poor grover.

And you know it couldn't be Oscar with that damn monobrow :)

[MetroDad]

Hahaha...I knew I always liked that Grover dude!

[Bruce]

Grover, a metrosexual? Who knew? Maybe we'll see him on the cover of GQ soon. ;)

[emma]

If Grover was the first metrosexual on Sesame Street, then Miss Piggy with her gruff voice, was the first transvestite puppet on the Muppets.

[KC]

I guess I didn't watch nearly enough Sesame Street because I never picked up on any of that. Now that you've pointed it out, it makes perfect sense.

[the weirdgirl]

ha ha ha! Miss Piggy the transvestite! Oh yeah, and Kermit is so her bitch!!

[Lou]

So,

Ms Piggy the transvestite
Grover the metrosexual
Bert & Ernie the local gay couple
Cookie Monster the trailer trash dude (the K-Fed of Sesame St?)

does this make Elmo the closet homosexual with the baby-act fetish?

[siren]

No doubt about it...Grover was the trendsetter of his time.

[Domestic Chicky]

...these are the people in your neighborhood. :)

Please tell me I'm not the only one who remembers that song?

[Mom101]

I loved Grover too. But I also loved Michael Jackson. Maybe that explains why my first boyfriend in 7th grade was gay. Oh, if only...

[Chris]

Hrm. I'd really never thought of Grover. Next you're going to tell me he's great with the fuzzy blue ladies and I'll have to totally adjust my view.

[mo-wo]

OH -- MY -- GOD! You are sooooooo right! I didn't realize you were an anthropologist.