Spot on. You’re not reading too much into it at all, it’s just something that a lot of people don’t have the language for. Especially the part about his masculinity. The pearl clutching about the sarong in particular was pathetic. As for the supposed “distraction” of it all it seemed more like people tried their hardest to let themselves be distracted into caring about anything but his quality as a player. And you’re so spot on, I think most people wouldn’t admit it but the fact that he engaged with traditionally “feminine” interests with the modeling and fashion in not just society at that time but football in particular caused most people the most grief. And they’re pathetic for it. It’s also something I really respect Beckham for, just like how I respect Dennis Rodman for it (engaging with “femininity” and expression through fashion, makeup, hair etc). I’m truly upset thinking about how all these backwards people banded together to project their own insecurities and misery onto these men who went against stupid gendered conventions
