For anyone who was not lucky enough to stumble upon Brody Jenner and MTV's recent reality show "Bromance", here is Urban Dictionary's definition of a bromance: a close friendship between 2 males to such a point where they start to seem like a couple.
Despite Darling Harbour's romantic reputation, my 2 buddies and I decided that our Thai food craving and each of our high level of comfort with our sexualities were enough to overcome the romantic deterrent. The 3 of us enjoyed a nice dinner at Stir Crazy. The restaurant had a lively atmosphere and meals at a low-budget price. My fried rice with chicken meal was amazing. (And it was even better because it was free --I was dared to eat a plate of hot chilis for a free meal, courtesy of my friends. Although I have suffered through similar hot/spicy food situations in the past, this time turned out to be a success for me!)
Following dinner, the 3 of us walked down to the Harbour to snap a few pictures. This is when the bromantic irony really took place. As we snapped our first picture, a loud bang sounded from across the harbour. My friend Phelps looked to sky and shouted, "Fireworks!" The colors in the sky were pleasing to our eyes, however, the impressive light show seemed to attract an abundance of couples all around us. Although the 3 of us had thought we could avoid the romance of Darling Harbour, there we stood....at the harbour for the next 20 minutes taking in the firework show and enjoying our arguably, inevitable bromantic date. Below are a couple pictures from the evening. I title them "Sydney at Night."
Harbour Bridge
The light show.....uuuuuw....awwwwwAll in all, a hilarious night that led me to this contemplation....close, male friendships may be undervalued in today's society. Women have always been the ones known to have close relationships with their friends, but men seem to be expected to keep distant, often superficial, "manly" friendships. These "manly" friendships lack real growth because they tend not to venture beyond topics of sports, cars, jokes, work, boobs, etc. This may be due to ingrained perceptions of gender roles in society? Or maybe it's a common straight man fear to never be perceived as gay? I don't know. I think traditional male friendships are good, but I also think it is worthwhile to have a little balance between "manly" friendships and "bromance" friendships. The balance encourages growth by challenging views. And although both Brody Jenner's show and the term "bromance" are goofy, I think they are also small steps toward socially accepting quality male friendships....Maybe our Darling Harbour experience will inspire in a few more bromances in our world.
Bromance and Brody Jenner have a hard time remaining on the air waves. Probably due to the fact his buddies getting to close make the audience nervous. I agree with your assessment that men are not in touch with their emotions, most believe this will keep them from becoming percieved as women. The singer John Mellencamp addresses this subject in a song. He mentions one man's amazing accomplishments, but he still can't tell his best buddy that he loves him. As we tell ourselves we are still the young lions. Women are free to show their emotions, yet everyone knows "Big Boy's Don't Cry !!"
ReplyDeletewhat is Johnny Cougar song you speak of?? I want to listen to it, but you are leaving me hanging without providing a title...
ReplyDeleteA few John Mellecamp songs fit your style at this time of your life. The one I mentioned is titled "Check it Out !!" as far as I know it is the only song that mentions having a new home in escrow. As well as loving your best buddy, and telling yourself that you are still a young lion long past your prime. Also check "Walk Tall" it addresses racial discrimination from the point of little people and the challenges they face as far as being different. And a great message is within "Your Life is Now", which is a great song.
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