BetterMost, Wyoming & Brokeback Mountain Forum

Brokeback Mountain: Our Community's Common Bond => Brokeback Mountain Open Forum => All Things Brokeback: Books, Interviews and More => Topic started by: Phillip Dampier on March 07, 2006, 11:12:23 pm

Title: Did Brokeback Mountain break the last metaphor for manhood? (Napa Valley Reg)
Post by: Phillip Dampier on March 07, 2006, 11:12:23 pm

PHOENIX -- Until now, the cowboy was the West's quintessential metaphor for masculinity: John Wayne, the Lone Ranger, the Marlboro Man.

Until the movie "Brokeback Mountain" came out, that is. The story of two cowboys in love, nominated for the Academy Award as best picture, has dared to spoil the long-held notion that being gay and being a cowboy don't mix.

While real-life gay cowboys generally see the movie as an enlightening window into their world, many of their heterosexual counterparts see "Brokeback Mountain" as an attack on the last bastion of manhood.

http://www.napavalleyregister.com/articles/2006/03/06/features/ap_arts_and_entertainment/iq_3328358.txt

Title: Re: Did Brokeback Mountain break the last metaphor for manhood? (Napa Valley Reg)
Post by: Drew Kerrigan on March 20, 2006, 02:20:16 am

... What about the leader of a nation? ???  I have never heard or seen a homosexual President or a Prime Minister before. Sure there were gay, lesbian, and even bisexual Kings, Princesses, and Conquerors before but these were during the good 'old times. What about the time NOW?

Title: Re: Did Brokeback Mountain break the last metaphor for manhood? (Napa Valley Reg)
Post by: Aussie Chris on March 20, 2006, 06:51:15 am

The article says it nicely: the idea that gay cowboys don't exist is nothing more than homophobic denial.

The implication underlying the title alone is puerile: what exactly does "manhood" have to do with sexual orientation?