The Visor

Social science of popular term ‘bromance’ revealed

February 18, 2010

Ben Edwards

Bromance, the love between heterosexual males, is also known as man-crush. These close, nonsexual relationships between two or more males are becoming more popular in American culture.

Many times, males have relationships that grow to be closer than brothers. Through acts of male bonding including deep conversations on life, love and faith, shared experiences together and late nights of manly storytelling, bromance has become a common form of relationship.
The term bromance was coined in the late 1990’s to describe the bond between skateboarders and has evolved into what it is today.

Bromances have become a popular trend in America in the past 10 years because of a shift in masculinity. Research has shown that since the 1970’s males have been more open and more expressive than in past generations. While this does not lead to a generation of “girly men,” the man of today is one who is able to share feelings with others, allowing the theory of bromance to flourish.

Bromances are growing in Hollywood as well as Hoban. In the lime light of bromance are celebrities such as Ben Affleck and Matt Damon, Brad Pitt and George Clooney, and Will Smith and Tom Cruise…all who share their deep friendship on the red carpet for the public to see. Sorry Katie Homes, Tom’s in love with Will Smith. Meanwhile, here at Hoban several males have their own Bromances.

“I’ve had a bromance with my bro Ian Santoferraro for a while now, our relationship is so good that I remember what I was wearing the first time we met,” said junior Robby Sheeks.

“Our love is so strong we compare it to the song by the Jackson 5, I’ll Be There. He’s Mikey- I am Tito, We also sometimes go out on man-dates,” said the other half, Ian Santoferraro.

Another bromance at Hoban could be giving the nickname Biggie Smalls.

“I’ve been with Ben Peak and it has been a positive relationship as we have had six classes in a row together, both semesters, and we sometimes wear matching sweaters,” said junior Paul Mahon. “It’s always positive because you can never have a bad bromance; it’s like peanut butter and pickles it just does not happen.”

As Mahon states, there are no bad bromances. Perhaps male bonding is natural and instinctive for males, and the love between two guys is a natural part of the male mindset.

Tags:

 Email This Post        Print This Post