One interesting phenomenon over the past decade has been the rise of so-called "bromances," intimate, but non-sexual, relationships between men. Affectionate male bonding has a centuries-long tradition around the world, yet American society has generally drawn rigid lines between two males who are friends. Bromances are said to break down many of those barriers, allowing a man to be more expressive of both his own feelings and his feelings toward his friend. Just why American male friendships are seemingly more open these days is up to debate. Some argue these bonds have been shaped by everything from feminist mothers raising more emotionally open sons to the gay rights movement to younger generations of men simply breaking from old societal gender taboos. But are younger men today really more open to intimate male friendships? Is this truly a new phenomenon or have men always been free to express themselves emotionally with other men? For this journal, explore the phenomenon of bromances.
Include at least two of the following pieces in your discussion:
- "Craigslist-ing to a Bromance" (Death and Taxes)
- "Bromances Aren't Uncommon as Guys Delay Marriage" (Seattle Times)
- "I Love You, Man (as a Friend)" (New York Times)
- "Through the Lens: Over a Century of Affectionate Men Photos" (San Francisco Chronicle)
Due: Thursday. Oct. 7th (Note: Female students are not required to attend class this day and should email their journals instead.)
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