The Importance Of Masculinices

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Recommended: masculinity as homophobia by michael kimmel summary essay

Donald Athnos
WRTG 3020-003
September 3, 2015

Bromance

Close friendships between men are not a new idea. Aristotle describes the perfect friendship as “...the friendship of men who are good, and alike in virtue… their friendship lasts as long as they are good--and goodness is an enduring thing” (Brown 145). Even today, many scholars consider friendships between men to be deep and lasting. Some psychologists advocate for boys’ needs to develop and experience intimate relationships (Hoffman). Today, there are ‘bromances’ which are often portrayed in films and television shows. The cultural influence of these relationships has spread as various media coverage uses the term to describe pairings of men from Bert and Ernie to Matt Damon and Ben Affleck.
To give an idea …show more content…

A primary orientation of masculinity is a negative definition: it is critical not to be a woman and not to be gay” (26).
This description of masculinities highlights the similarities with bromances and their defining characteristics. A bromance creates an exclusive pairing of men and creates a set of expectations that are natural to other types of commitments and relationships. Masculinities theory also describes how male intimacy is restricted by homophobia and the fear that one might be perceived as gay. This notion is parallel to the requirement that both partners in a bromance are heterosexual, as it eliminates being labeled as homosexual. Some scholars believe that this fear holds men back from showing affection to men as well as women, ultimately limiting the range of all male-associated friendships (Rosenbury, 106). The fluid structure of masculinities theory as well as the nature of a bromance can also be described in some of Judd Apatow’s films. John Alberti

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