SpeedoForum.org

I joined a couple of weeks ago. Just now getting around to saying "Hi." Considering the unpopularity of Speedos in society, I feel like I'm joining an underground resistence movement during WWII!

My stats: Tragically, I'm 52 so I will not be too popular! But, I'm 6'1", 185 lbs and work out every day by lifting or riding bike 20 to 30 miles.

I've been interested in Speedos since college. My college subscribed to a swimmer's magazine that had lots of pictures of guys in Speedos. I became an avid reader of that magazine and waited breathlessly for the new issue every month.

Three pet peeves: (1) Whenever Speedos are mentioned in the media, the radio/TV hosts feel obligated to make disparaging comments about Speedos. For example, a few weeks ago there was a story in the news that involved a Speedo. The co-host of the CBS Morning Show had to comment that "no one should ever wear a Speedo" and "I wouldn't wear a Speedo." My comment back is "Shut up and just report the story. No one cares what you think about Speedos." Why do people do this -- to try to demonstrate that they aren't gay, or show their masculinity, or something else? (2) The USA is exporting its anti-Speedo culture to the rest of the world. More and more around the world people are wearing big baggy board shorts. I love my country, but our culture seems to overwhelm all others! (3) Okay, I realize that not everyone likes Speedos but do these people have to wear board shorts (they look like my grandma's bloomers) down to their ankles? The 30-something year old sunning next to me yesterday was wearing a baggy board short that you could have gotten 2 people inside and it went down to about 2 inches over his ankles. What's the purpose in sunbathing in that? How about just a nice swimsuit half way to the knees if you don't like Speedos?

My rant is over. Thanks for listening. Glad to be a member.

Welcome Joshuafarmer. Great to have you onboard. Personally, I don't think age should count against you. Although I'm in my late twenties, I'm happier with my body now than I was in my late teens and early twenties (and I'm about twenty kilos lighter too, woohoo!). One of my motives for getting in shape (other than health) was to look good in speedos.

There's a good discussion in the "Speedo Talk" section about America's "speedophobia" (for want of a better term). You might find it interesting. I definitely think it relates to a crisis in masculinity and the conflict between taking delight in masculine bodies (and taking pleasure in being looked at) and the fear of appearing gay. For some reason, a man is expected to be buff and sexy (see the cover of any Men's Health magazine) and yet recoil in horror if his gym buddy finds him attractive.

Society encourages men to present themselves as sex objects (deodorant and aftershave ads, anyone?) and then deny the "sexiness" of it all.

Thanks, Duncandude, for your analysis. I think you're right about a fear of appearing gay while trying to look your best. I'll look up the discussion you mentioned in Speedo Talk.

Your opening paragraph hit on a good point. I work out and try my best to stay in shape so I can continue to look good in Speedos for as long as possible. It just wouldn't seem the same if I had to go to the beach/pool in baggy shorts. Besides, exercising and staying in shape might be good for my health!! So, two good reasons to work out (1) look good in Speedos and (2) might be good for your health.