— riv ˖★٠࣪⭑.ᐟ

Another food for thought : Are so many people offended by bromance shows because they have internalised the idea that male friendships are only allowed to manifest within certain boundaries? That there is an acceptable degree of affection, intimacy and emotional vulnerability between two men, and anything that goes beyond it must automatically be labelled as either “gay” or “queerbaiting”? Isn’t this, in itself, a reflection of the toxic masculinity perpetuated by a patriarchal society? One that has conditioned people to associate emotional intimacy, physical affection and genuine tenderness between men with homosexuality, as though these qualities somehow undermine their masculinity? I’m not a man, so I can’t speak from a male perspective. However, as a woman who has a platonic soulmate, I can tell you that the affection, closeness and behaviours portrayed in these bromance shows are very much part of my own platonic friendships. Why are we so quick to question the nature of a friendship simply because it doesn’t conform to the narrow boundaries society has imposed on it? And, more importantly, why are we so uncomfortable with the idea that two men can love, cherish and be deeply affectionate towards each other without that affection having to be romantic or sexual?