Aquageek, if you don't think homophobia plays a HUGE part in men not wearing Speedos, perhaps you should do a little research.
America's homophibia is one of the biggest reasons why most men won't wear one. The other largest factor is the fact that everyone else is (or seems to be, rather) wearing baggy shorts and they don't want to be seen as "different". A lot of people (of both sexes) talk negatively about folks wearing Speedos, so it becomes ingrained in them that it is a bad thing. Finally, there is no longer any requirement that kids take showers after PE in school, and this means that kids no longer see guys without any clothes on like their fathers, gradnfathers, etc., did. This just makes them even more insecure whenever they are near someone who has a hint some portion of the area between their knees and their navel remotely visible. Certainly, wearing a Speedo, it is kind of hard not to have some level of detail visible. No different than a woman's bikini, however. (I'll expand on that if anyone thinks it is necessary)
I'm always amazed at the fact that one reason women say they don't like Speedos on guys is that they mainly see the overweight guys wearing them. I can't argue with that given that more and more Americans are obese these days. At the same time, however, we don't hear the outcry against larger women wearing bikinis and revealing swimwear.
I personally wear thongs on the beach to lay out in because I like as much of me tanned as I can get (I hate looking like an Oreo cookie), and nothing beats swimming in the ocean with that little on. If thongs are not legal, I have a couple of Speedos to wear. I have a well-toned body so I guess I am a little less self-concious about wearing them. Even if I didn't though, as far as I'm concerned, if you don't want to look, please exercise the muscles in your neck and turn your head the other way.
I hang out with friends, some of whom wear Speedos, the majority of which wear regular swim trunks and some even wear those dorky-looking, past-the-knee-length swim capris for men (they are the same length as capri pants, aren't they?). They have no problems with it, and the women are always hanging around me. Tough job, but someone's got to do it ;-)
My first post here - glad I found a non-controversial subject to start out with!
Matt F.
Aquageek, if you don't think homophobia plays a HUGE part in men not wearing Speedos, perhaps you should do a little research.
America's homophibia is one of the biggest reasons why most men won't wear one. The other largest factor is the fact that everyone else is (or seems to be, rather) wearing baggy shorts and they don't want to be seen as "different". A lot of people (of both sexes) talk negatively about folks wearing Speedos, so it becomes ingrained in them that it is a bad thing. Finally, there is no longer any requirement that kids take showers after PE in school, and this means that kids no longer see guys without any clothes on like their fathers, gradnfathers, etc., did. This just makes them even more insecure whenever they are near someone who has a hint some portion of the area between their knees and their navel remotely visible. Certainly, wearing a Speedo, it is kind of hard not to have some level of detail visible. No different than a woman's bikini, however. (I'll expand on that if anyone thinks it is necessary)
I'm always amazed at the fact that one reason women say they don't like Speedos on guys is that they mainly see the overweight guys wearing them. I can't argue with that given that more and more Americans are obese these days. At the same time, however, we don't hear the outcry against larger women wearing bikinis and revealing swimwear.
I personally wear thongs on the beach to lay out in because I like as much of me tanned as I can get (I hate looking like an Oreo cookie), and nothing beats swimming in the ocean with that little on. If thongs are not legal, I have a couple of Speedos to wear. I have a well-toned body so I guess I am a little less self-concious about wearing them. Even if I didn't though, as far as I'm concerned, if you don't want to look, please exercise the muscles in your neck and turn your head the other way.
I hang out with friends, some of whom wear Speedos, the majority of which wear regular swim trunks and some even wear those dorky-looking, past-the-knee-length swim capris for men (they are the same length as capri pants, aren't they?). They have no problems with it, and the women are always hanging around me. Tough job, but someone's got to do it ;-)
My first post here - glad I found a non-controversial subject to start out with!
Matt F.
