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> I've read that in India, it's still absolutely unremarkable for two men to walk down the streets holding hands, even though homosexuality is vastly less accep
by rmc 11y ago
> I've read that in India, it's still absolutely unremarkable for two men to walk down the streets holding hands, even though homosexuality is vastly less accepted than in the US.
Not sure about India, but I've heard that in the Arab world, and seen in Ethiopia, that men holding hands doesn't imply homosexuality. Different cultures have different rules.
A man kissing a man on the cheek in France doesn't mean they are gay.
- baddox 11y agoYes, the meaning of the gesture of holding hands is important. In the U.S., as far as I can tell it almost always indicates a romantic relationship (or adults chaperoning young children, obviously).
- falcolas 11y ago> or adults chaperoning young children, obviously Even that is too frequently associated with romance by a small but vocal population in the US.
- task_queue 11y agoIs this really a thing?
- fit2rule 11y agoFor some Dads, alas, yes. It is a thing. Open affection towards ones children, in some settings, can be a surefire way to attract unwanted attention from people who can only be described as hair-trigger SJW's, just waiting to pounce on any male they deem a threat, and 'offensive' behaviour such as holding ones daughters' hand, or giving her a kiss in greeting, has often gotten a Dad in more hassle than its worth. I think its atrocious - as a father, I can't think of anything worse than some social entity claiming that my affection for my children has a nefarious intent. It is really a common tragedy, alas - so much so that I see associate Fathers whose daughters just don't get balanced affinity from their parents. Yes, it is a thing, and it is a sad state of affairs. My boys get hugs and kisses regardless. Love shouldn't have to be defended from others, but alas PDA for children is a huge social issue in modern America - and England too, I have noticed. In some ways, our societies are terribly pornographic.
- erikpukinskis 11y agoI don't know why you consider that "justice". That sounds awful to me.
- fit2rule 11y agoIts not justice, and thats the point. Innocent until proven guilty doesn't really seem to apply much to those Dads' who openly love their kids and wish to express that love physically - i.e. hugs, kisses, hand-holding, care. Its a tragic circumstance that a man can't express his love for his kids without having to suffer from social stigma at the hands of those who think they are doing society a favor by propagating the dogma that any man who loves a child must be an offender. I've certainly run into it in my life often enough that I think its really insane that Dads can't love their kids without this threat. I guess it is in some ways similar to the prejudices that the other sexes experience, and maybe fundamentally its sourced from the same conscious/subconscious desire to control the way other people live their lives, regardless of differences/similarities between the relevant parties. If someone wants to hug their kids and openly show affection in the face of social stigma, I think its really the only way out for all of us. Love, above all.
- erikpukinskis 11y agoI agree. I don't understand why you think fighting against affection and care is "social justice". Sounds like the opposite to me.
- ticviking 11y agoSWJ does not refer to most feminists, or social justice advocated. The term originated from, and is most associated with a vocal sub-culture of anti-male feminists largely on tumblr, though somewhat in the larger blog-o-sphere. It's classical puritan pearl clutching with the sacred cows of the left instead of the right, totally annoying, and totally completely normal and well within the tradition of American moral panics.
- notNow 11y agoIn Egypt here, young male couples could be seen strolling together where one is holding one arm to the side crossed with his hand near the tummy and the other one resting his wrist on the former's forearm like what you see when in weddings where the groom walks his bride down the aisle. We call it أنجاجيه from the French word Engagee meaning engaged but this is only reserved exclusively for teens/high-schoolers who are BFFs or very close and not for every acquaintance but as you grow up you abandon those bromance/frat stuff and get tired of it. However, holding hands incessantly and crossing fingers and stuff is frowned upon and could raise some eyebrows or suspicion in people around you.
- bruceb 11y agoYep: http://www.orangejuiceblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/Bush-holding-hands-with-Saudi-tyrant.jpg http://www.orangejuiceblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/Bu...
- mc32 11y agoOr in socialist circles it signifies state fraternal ties ala Brezhnev. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Socialist_fraternal_kiss https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Socialist_fraternal_kiss
- carlob 11y ago> A man kissing a man on the cheek in France doesn't mean they are gay. much more true in southern France or in Italy than it would be in Paris.