The article contrasts historical male friendships, exemplified by Sir John Finch and Sir Thomas Baines, with modern portrayals of male relationships that emphasize vulnerability and emotional struggle. In the Renaissance, passionate bonds between men were openly recognized and celebrated, whereas today's depictions often lean towards the notion that men's friendships are superficial unless influenced by women. This shift highlights a change in societal views on friendship and emotional expression among men, suggesting that past norms allowed for more profound connections free from contemporary stigmas.
This exuberant expression of love is a far cry from popular depictions of male friendship today, which tend to portray men as struggling with vulnerability.
A platonic relationship as effusive as Finch and Baines' wouldn't have been out of the ordinary: across Europe, passionate bonds between men were publicly celebrated.
Women were typically viewed as lacking the emotional depth required for true friendship during the Renaissance, leaving men's friendships to flourish without scrutiny.
Much of today’s portrayal of male friendships emphasizes areas of struggle and lack, contrasting sharply with historical examples of passionate male bonds.
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