A Photo History of Male Affection (Safe For Work)

[Pancho Villa]

(Also, no homo, for those of you that are wary.)

http://artofmanliness.com/2012/07/29/bosom-buddies-a-photo-history-of-male-affection/


In my unending search for just the right vintage images for our articles, I have looked through thousands of photographs of men from the last century or so. One of the things that I have found most fascinating about many of these images, is the ease, familiarity, and intimacy, which men used to exhibit in photographs with their friends and compadres.

I shared a handful of these images in our very early post on the history of male friendship, but today I wanted to share almost 100 more in order to provide a more in-depth look into an important and highly interesting aspect of masculine history: the decline of male intimacy over the last century.

I found the article pretty interesting. Here's a sample pic:

http://img820.imageshack.us/img820/8333/bros2.jpg

[hghclsswhitetrsh]

So I don't want to be rude, so I will say this. With all due respect, why the hell do you find it necessary to share this with us?

[Irving]

Because it is interesting.

[Pancho Villa]

So I don't want to be rude, so I will say this. With all due respect, why the hell do you find it necessary to share this with us?

I thought it was interesting. It's not like the guys are having sex as soon as the photograph is done; it's how normal, straight males used to show affection to their friends. The fact that this has changed, and fairly recently, is also interesting to me. No political commentary necessary; just interesting.

I have a friend who is overseas now and he commented that the Ugandans over there are very similar; friends hold hands while walking along, for example.

Weird, right?

[flan7211]

I actually find it quite interesting. Our society has become more gay friendly and yet males aren't allowed to show affection to friends. These were probably all very masculine men too. The times have gotten crazy.

[HoneyBadger]

I actually find it quite interesting. Our society has become more gay friendly and yet males aren't allowed to show affection to friends. These were probably all very masculine men too. The times have gotten crazy.

I think straight guys probably don't want to be mistaken for gays, thus the overbearing absence of physical contact between a lot of guys.

I hug my best friend (who was the best man in my wedding) because he is like a brother to me. I also hug my brother. There is a bond between brothers (blood-related or otherwise "brothers") that is special. My best friend is not gay, nor am I. But when we see each other, we share a hearty hug ...Rest assured, it lasts no more than 2 seconds and each man gives three firm pats on the back to the other man. [ROFL1]

Not related at all to the first part of my comment, but what about guys slapping each other on the ass? Watch any all-male sports team...

[Delfuego]

but what about guys slapping each other on the ass? Watch any all-male sports team...Everyone deserves a "good-game"!

No homo

[Pancho Villa]

I think straight guys probably don't want to be mistaken for gays, thus the overbearing absence of physical contact between a lot of guys.

I hug my best friend (who was the best man in my wedding) because he is like a brother to me. I also hug my brother. There is a bond between brothers (blood-related or otherwise "brothers") that is special. My best friend is not gay, nor am I. But when we see each other, we share a hearty hug ...Rest assured, it lasts no more than 2 seconds and each man gives three firm pats on the back to the other man. [ROFL1]

Not related at all to the first part of my comment, but what about guys slapping each other on the ass? Watch any all-male sports team...

Do you also say "no homo" after every hug?

[HoneyBadger]

Do you also say "no homo" after every hug?

Nope. Usually say something like "Good to see you, brother!" [Beer]

[BlasterBob]

Hugs - yes.
Ass patting/slapping - No.
[Tooth]

[HBARleatherneck]

delete

[Rucker61]

Hugs - yes.
Ass patting/slapping - No.
[Tooth]

Reach around - strictly out of bounds!

[mevshooter]

I was the person who started the majority of my male friends on the "hug" kick. I think I hug more guys than girls, actually. My reasoning, I know there is ABSOLUTELY NOTHING between myself and my male friends, but as a married guy, there are some less than wholesome women out there. Can't be too safe.

There are some interesting studies out there about the lack of non-sexual physical affection when it comes to men. There are links (not saying this as a fact, or a sweeping truth, so don't get your panties in a bunch if you weren't in a very physically affectionate family) between a lack of healthy physical affection from a father figure or sometimes a mother figure and homosexual tendencies.

Once again, not saying this is a sweeping truth or anything of that nature. Plenty of gay guys out there with awesome fathers. Plenty of heterosexual guys with terrible fathers, plenty of everything good and bad on both sides of the fence. Just an interesting side note.

But to the OP, this is a very interesting article. I had a friend who was in the marine core who talked about how affectionate the males in Afghanistan were. He demonstrated how they shook hands, and it appeared more of a "hand holding" than a hand shake. Not to mention the cultures where males kiss when they greet or say goodbye.

I smother my daughter with hugs and kisses, and if we ever have a boy, I will do the same. I'll just never make a point to embarrass them in public or at school with that type of behavior, but I will always by physically affectionate with those I love. Within their boundaries, of course.

[stevelkinevil]

I see no issue with it. I personally am not big on being hugged or touched by most folks unless I am close to them. (have a little of the OCD's) on the other hand I hug and kiss my 2 sons at least once a day, I see nothing what so ever wrong with showing lots of affection to ones children male or female, I do hug my brothers as well. I think its sad that the overly vocal and in your face gays have made it to where normal hetero men feel uncomfortable showing any affection to each other, ie. ever notice how if you don't want to hug them your a homophobe but if you hug an old army or football buddy your a closet case.