So an article [http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/42672313/ns/today-relationships/] about a brouhaha over two basketball players being photographed holding hands made me wonder what this forum thinks about man on man physical intimacy. Standards vary widely between countries, and it's always interesting to hear different perspectives.
The poll isn't so much about what is appropriate as it is about how much intimacy two (let's presume heterosexual) men can have without it taking on a clear sexual connotation. From what I gather, the U.S. is probably one of the most conservative countries in this regard, which isn't particularly surprising. Not just because of homophobia, but also general attitudes about personal space. In fact two Ecuadorian immigrants were beaten, one to death, after being mistaken for a gay couple a few years ago in NYC.[footnote]http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-504083_162-20009167-504083.html[/footnote]
I know whenever I visit other countries, I often find myself asking "Gay or European/Canadian?".
Edit: Yay! My poll didn't break.
Further edits: Feel free to include scenarios in which behaviors which would otherwise be considered too much affection are permissible.
